Taking care of your psychological health when your water supply is contaminated

It is worrisome to live in a community with a contaminated water supply. You may be preoccupied with how you can address current and potential health concerns and what you can do to prevent further exposure. You could also feel overwhelmed and not sure what to do.

Seeking appropriate medical care is important. So, too, is addressing the situation’s impact on your thoughts and emotions. Research based on other difficult tragedies shows that it is important for people to take active steps to cope. Doing so enables people to manage their lives better. Taking positive steps can be helpful for you and your family.

Here are some ways to move forward:

Get the facts

• Find an information source that you trust. If you do not have confidence in what the government is telling you, look for other organizations that are involved and providing information.
• Learn about your tap water, safe water resources, and available medical care. This information will lessen your uncertainty and increase your ability to make good decisions.
• Limit watching the news. The sensational and repetitive nature of news stories can be distressful. This is especially true for children. They may easily misunderstand information and become more distressed.

Take action

• Consult with medical professionals about your health. Follow medical advice.
• Focus on what you can change. Think flexibly and make realistic plans. Take small steps to carry them out. Ask yourself, “What’s one thing I can accomplish in the next hour or today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?”
• Work with your community to address the concerns of your neighborhood.

Make connections

• Reach out to your close relationships for support and encouragement. Research shows that good relationships with close family members, friends, or others make a big difference in times of stress.
• Accept support from those who care about you.
• Help others. Through these actions, you may feel better about yourself and your circumstances.

Trust in your abilities

• Maintain a positive view of yourself and have confidence in your strengths and abilities. You can choose a course of action and make a difference for you and your family.
• Apply your skills. Identify ways you have problem-solved in the past and use these skills to help you now.

Be hopeful

• Identify positive things happening in your community. These difficult times are bringing about change.
• Try to see how future circumstances may be a little better. According to psychological research, people who adopt a positive outlook may be healthier and live longer.
• Build hope through friendships, love, nature, faith, creativity, kindness, or something meaningful to you.

Take care of yourself

• Try to get adequate sleep and food. These basic necessities will help you to think more clearly and be more in control of your emotions.
• Take time outs. Set aside time each day to focus on something other than the current problem.
• Do activities you enjoy and find relaxing such as listening to music, creating something artistic, or taking a walk or exercise class.

For additional information on the psychological aspects of public health concerns, please contact the Michigan Psychological Association at (517) 347-1885. The Disaster Distress Helpline provides free crisis counseling and support at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. Visit our crisis hotlines and resources page for more crisis counseling resources.

Special thanks to Mary K. Alvord, PhD, Susan Silk, PhD, and Valerie Cole, PhD, for their assistance in preparing this document. Thanks also to APA’s Resilience Brochure Update Committee who developed the overarching themes: Mary K. Alvord, PhD, Lillian Comas-Diaz, PhD, Suniya S. Luthar, PhD, H. Katherine O’Neill, PhD, and Karen W. Saakvitne, PhD.