Hi guys. Long story short 3 weeks ago my bipolar brother had a full blown psychotic episode bought on as a result of missed medication and stress. This was his first psychotic episode usually he just gets manic. He was picked up by the police and formed under the mental health act (australia)

He expressed that he wasn’t suicidal but that he was hearing voices telling him to hurt his family and friends. At first I was glad to see him formed so he couldn’t hurt anyone or himself in this state. But now I’m wondering what’s going on In there and why it’s taking so long for release.  

After 2 1/2 weeks He looks more or less recovered to me. He understands his delusions as not real and sees what triggered it. He looks heavily sedated most days and tells me he only sees the doctor every 4-5 days if he’s lucky. They keep extending his form. I don’t see him as a danger to himself or others anymore so I don’t know why they keep extending it. He would be much better now under the care of our mother who will watch him like a hawk until he gets back on his feet and into the future. 

He’s been allowed to be taken out once in the last few weeks for 1 hour for coffee with my mum but besides that he’s locked up. He’s locked up in the high security ward with people who are so far gone - surely having that around him cant be doing any good. 

I though part of the recovery would be allowing us to take him out get him playing tennis and feeling normal - not keeping him locked up for this long. 

I watched a YouTube video on mental health facilities and they even let the worst condition people out here or there for normalcy. I feel it’s really cruel. 

My question is unless he is still expressing thoughts about hurting others or himself surely they can’t keep him formed for much longer. Do we have any options for having a second psychologist to review him? or any legal action we can initiate? 

I fear for my brother that any longer than a week in that place can be nothing but detrimental for him. He is well enough and will recover better under my mums care now that his meds are stabilized. 

Thanks for listening