The practices of seclusion and restraint in mental health facilities are controversial, although seclusion, the deliberate isolation of a person in a place that they cannot freely exit, and restraint, the control of a person’s freedom of movement or ability to express their views are common practices within some facilities.
“Most people have experienced or know someone who has experienced mental health problems,” says Professor Bernadette McSherry, Foundation Director of the Melbourne Social Equity Institute at the University of Melbourne.
“While there has been great progress made in care and treatment options, coercion and containment are often the default settings for those with severe mental health problems. I think it’s essential to explore practical ways of assisting individuals in therapeutic rather than coercive environments,” Professor McSherry says.