The strong leads in that book show Stephen Chbosky knew about that type of trauma.
It does. You could tell the book was very personal for him and that he was writing from experience. I feel like it made the book more relatable. 
The first person perspective gives the book that type of feel.
It really does. That was another reason I really liked that book, because it was as if the character was talking directly to me. Being able to relate like that with the character made me want to look up the music and books the character liked in the book.
Books such as this do assist the reader to evolve and explore outside such as the music and books you described. 
Yes, very much so. I found some music that I hadn't heard before and books. I ended up liking a lot of the music and books that were mentioned in the book by the character. 
That is much like what Charlie did in his envisions since he didn't have any friends.
That's very true. He immersed himself in the books that his teacher gave him and evolved that way.  
You might think his mental illness gave him a type of fantasy world to explore other than the real world around him. His ability to function may have relied on his ability to visit the "outside".
I think you are correct. He was able to function by losing himself in fantasy and pulling himself away from his traumas. I feel like a lot of people can relate with that. 
It's obvious that you have given a lot of thought to Charlie and the subject. I'm sure your friends find you fascinating when you speak about it. 
Thank you. I enjoy talking about this book with my friends and I always highly recommend it. 
We all have had hardships and Chbosky has a unique way of introducing Patrick and Sam. The book makes for great conversation and some people who hear about it from people like you pick it up and read it for themselves.