In most countries, access to an individual's medical records, including mental health records, is protected by strict privacy laws and regulations. Generally, you cannot check if someone was admitted to a mental hospital without their explicit permission or a legal reason to do so.
Mental health records are considered sensitive and confidential information, and access to them is restricted to authorized medical personnel and the individual themselves (and sometimes their legal guardians). The privacy laws aim to protect patients' confidentiality and maintain trust in the healthcare system, which is especially important in mental health care due to the stigma associated with mental health conditions.
Hospital records, including mental health records, are typically retained by healthcare institutions for a specific period of time as required by law or hospital policy. The retention periods can vary depending on the country and local regulations. However, these records are not necessarily permanent, and they may be destroyed or archived after the required retention period has passed.
If you have a legitimate reason to access someone's mental health records, such as being their legal guardian or having a court order, you may be able to do so following the proper legal procedures. However, without such authorization or consent, attempting to access someone else's medical records can be illegal and may lead to severe legal consequences.
If you are concerned about someone's well-being or mental health, it's essential to encourage them to seek help from a qualified mental health professional or medical provider. Remember to be supportive, understanding, and respectful of their privacy and autonomy in seeking treatment.