I, too, was so 'in my own world' in my twenties and did not truly grow up until my thirties....had to find a support group with others who had mental illness, others that understood me, true and good hearted friends This helped me grow, I did not receive unconditional love from my family, so it took friends to see and grow into who I am today, proud to say I am working with children, even with my mental illness, and am great at it! Society was so cruel to me when my mind was 'off' yet I have toned down my weirdness, as I had to, and society is not cruel to me anymore, which is an accomplishment, for me. I worked so hard to be where I am today, and I never take all this happiness and joy of life for granted. I would love to hear more of your story, too I am sure you have overcome a lot, too!!