Retailer removes straitjacket costume following mental health concerns

SANE Australia, a non-profit supporting individuals with complex mental health conditions, expressed disappointment that corporations simultaneously promote mental health awareness and sell items that perpetuate stigma. Rachel Green, CEO of SANE Australia, questioned the acceptability of such costumes, drawing a comparison to costumes depicting individuals with other serious illnesses.

Sandy Jeffs, a SANE ambassador and author with lived experience of schizophrenia, described the costumes as “downright mad-shaming” and harmful to those living with mental illness. She emphasized that people with mental health conditions are “just ordinary people” facing daily stigma.

A Bunnings spokesperson confirmed the costume was removed after the concerns were brought to their attention. The costume remains available at Kmart, Dick Smith, Amazon, and various smaller costume retailers. Wesfarmers, the parent company of both Bunnings and Kmart, has been contacted for comment.

This isn’t the first instance of SANE advocating against stigmatizing Halloween costumes. A 2024 social media campaign led to Big W removing similar items, although Spotlight has since reintroduced them. Green highlighted the impact these costumes have on families navigating mental health challenges, emphasizing the potential for distress and harm. Spotlight has also been contacted for comment.