You would know if you were committed. They tell you either way. You probably signed papers the first time and just don't remember. Our memories of our hospital stays are often sketchy. (This coming from someone who has been in 10 times in the last 5 years.) The patients on ward who were involuntarily committed were most definitely aware that they had been (and generally really angry about it). If you are involuntarily committed, there is a limit on the number of days for the committment before they have to go before a judge to extend the time. (In Texas it's a 72hour hold for instance.)