Mental illness

How does one become mentally ill? Or more specifically, what does it really mean to be mentally ill? One would say it is simply deviating from the norm. Another person, possibly educated in the field, would say theres underlying damage in their thought processing mechanisms "faulty 'circuits'" or "humor imbalance"("neurotransmitter imbalance" if you want the current term).

I'd rather say it is an implication of the society the faulty mind is in. There are innumerable number of ways a mind could be distressed, but when it is, there are as many more ways a mind could react to it. I tend to believe the "faulty circuits" or the "imbalance"... or "social deviance" are all simple veils over the many reactions to mental strain. To me, mental problems stem from signs in the community, and society more so than an individual. If a child grows up in a faulty society he will notice it early. This child will be told immediately that everything is alright, and the child can either accept it, or deviate.

I find myself sitting in a crossroads. I've always seen myself as one happy to sit in the ivory tower. I have always thirsted for knowledge and betterment of myself and those around me. But then I step outside, and see how ignorant I am that not everyone else wants the same as me. I've spent my life as a tool for a single piece of our society, not knowing how big the stakes are. I entered my realm of society because I was pushed there. However, I regret nothing because if i was not pushed here then I could have drifted in the sea of our society ending up anywhere, but most likely near the bottom.

I think my illness began when I became a mental half-breed. I believe I've turned myself into the mental equivalent of a mutt. None of the pure-breeds recognize a mutt as an equal, but he is more resilient due to his reversing the ages of inbred ideas. Unfortunately I have no idea where to go or what to do. I feel I have advantages to a game that only I want to play, and the game everyone else is playing seems repetitive, boring and above all, childish.