24/04/2026
Originating in the 18th century, the straitjacket was at that time considered humane, as it started to replace the use of chains and shackles as a means of controlling patients who were institutionalised for insanity.
Today, objects like the heavy canvas and leather straitjacket are confronting and conjure cruelty, but we need to remember that, for the most part, they were used to protect patients from harming themselves or others, and what we knew then is not what we know now.
Mental illness and its treatment were not well understood, and alternative treatments were not yet available. We have thankfully evolved to have a much better and richer understanding of the human condition and mental illness, and certainly much better ways of caring for and protecting patients.
This is not the stuff of movies. Everyday folk with mental illness, trauma, or those not well understood by general society, could have been subjected to these means of control, and even if it was considered the right thing to do at the time, it is not hard to imagine the effects on the person.
In the Museum of Health, we display these objects and share these stories to inspire compassion and celebrate the evolution of mental health services. Help us to continue to tell these stories and support the collection via the link below.
https://www.mohqld.com.au/
