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Restoring relationship with adult child after psychosis and involuntary hospitalization

sprotsoNew Contributor11 Sept 2026, 2:44 pm AEST

Restoring relationship with adult child after psychosis and involuntary hospitalization

Hi, my child in their 20’s went through a psychotic episode this year and finally after things began to escalate we contacted the Mental Health Emergency Response Line who urged as to get a mental health assessment, which then led to our child being admitted involuntarily to the hospital.

They are now out of hospital and have returned to work but will not talk to us (or barely so). They also don’t believe they ever had psychosis. I am heartbroken at what we did and how it must feel to them to be put through such powerlessness - it felt like the ultimate betrayal even though we regretfully came to the decision because we wanted to protect them from what they might do.

It makes sense to me how they don’t trust my husband and I now. It must be very lonely for them as they cut off from all friends at the start of the year, which also breaks my heart.

I am just wondering if anyone has any experience in how to restore a relationship with a beloved child after involuntary hospitalization when they have no insight into their psychosis?

3 replies

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In response to: Restoring relationship with adult child after psychosis and involuntary hospitalization

AppleblossomSenior Contributor11 Sept 2026, 3:01 pm AEST

Re: Restoring relationship with adult child after psychosis and involuntary hospitalization

Hearing your love and heartbreak. It is a very important question for the community. Wish I had easy answers. I have experienced similar.

In response to: Restoring relationship with adult child after psychosis and involuntary hospitalization

MarcusMcFartusNew Contributor12 Sept 2026, 5:45 am AEST

Re: Restoring relationship with adult child after psychosis and involuntary hospitalization

Hi. I've just joined because my wife and I, in our late sixties now, have a 38 year old son living with us who we are certain has bipolar.

He hates us and wont talk.

He doesn't think he has a problem but we know he does.

I feel like we have to betray him and maybe get police involved so we can get the ball rolling on his mental health program )there is a longstanding DVO whereby he shouldn't be anywhere near us.

I feel for you as we too love our son and only want the best for him and sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind for all involved.

In response to: Restoring relationship with adult child after psychosis and involuntary hospitalization

BAOModerator12 Sept 2026, 5:15 pm AEST

Re: Restoring relationship with adult child after psychosis and involuntary hospitalization

Dear @MarcusMcFartus ,

Welcome to the forums and taking the time to post.

It sounds like a very difficult situation, and there are many layers of complexity.

Whilst your son is living with you, I also read that he "hates" you and there is a "longstanding DVO".

With the current arrangements, do you feel there will be any change? If not, would it really be betrayal if something needs to be done for your son to get the help he deserves?

I'm mindful there are no clear-cut answers. I can see how much you love your son and you only want what's best for him.

I'm hearing you.

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