.... Friend support had a direct association with lower loneliness, whereas family support was associated with lower loneliness indirectly through self-esteem. Age comparisons showed that friend support was more strongly related to loneliness among participants aged 16–18, while self-esteem was more strongly...

..., reproductive choices and access to support. However, family support, community awareness, counselling access and help-seeking confidence may reduce the exclusionary effects of labelling and promote recovery-orientated inclusion. Originality/value The paper contributes to mental health and social inclusion...