The story of your journey is touching and I wish you the best with the challenge. I feel that your idea of pursuing a deeper relationship with music is a great idea. I'll comment on the questions in a quick manner but I want to express the fact that I do not want the answers to seem as cursory or dismissive.
1) What would be the most effective way to learn about music composition/production?
Most of the people on the planet do it by word of mouth using the tradition of giving the newbies a simple part and then inviting them in to an ensemble where they feel safe to learn how arrangements and harmonious playing happens amongst more than one instrument. It's traditionally been a take one small step at a time activity.
2) Would learning how to play the piano be a necessity or an option?
Western music theory is based on an understanding of the Piano.
The Piano represents our understanding of Western Music theory. The keyboard is a graphic representation of Western musical theory. If you want to learn the details of Western music theory the piano is the easiest instrument to relate all the information too.
In your circumstance, I would question the need to fully understand Western musical theory. There are many ways to make soulful and satisfying music without being an expert in Western Music theory.
3) Am I getting my hopes up of being able to just make music for fun, or am I wasting my time by trying any of this?
I think that there are many easy options for using musical instruments to focus your imagination. For example; the simple act of playing a harmonica can be an incredibly satisfying experience. There are many instruments that can provide hours of joy with an immediacy that may be far more useful to you than the study of complex arrangements.
However, there are also some fantastic new technologies that will let you use your intuition to craft wonderful sounding arrangements and compositions with a minimum of theory knowledge or performance skills.
I will say, that being aware of your back story, that I am imagining that you will find that the act of actually playing simple parts on simple instruments will be far more satisfying and therapeutic than attempting to set a goal that is very high even for people who don't seem to face many challenges in their lives.
On a personal level, I make music for just this reason, I enjoy the act of making it. It does something good for me.
Playing drums is my Yoga.
Playing Bass in support of a melody makes me more aware of the emotion a melody can share.
Playing simple songs on Harmonica makes me feel satisfied in a calming sort of way.
Playing organ to an existing track makes me reflective.
So I'd suggest you start simply, perhaps by accompanying some pre recorded music or by playing along to the music that's in your head. Take it step by step. Making music is a journey and if you have just begun the journey you should pace your self in such a way that you extract enjoyment from the process.
Anyways, those are just some personal ideas.
I wish you the best and hope you find some solace and pleasure while exploring and interacting with your sound scape,
mike
post edited by mike_mccue - 2012/09/19 09:52:53