Most people have, at one point or another, struggled with their mental health. It can be challenging and disheartening when it feels like nothing is working – no matter what you do, you are still feeling down, depressed, or anxious. Unfortunately, there is no magic button that you can press and instantly feel better. However, you can get help. Many times, working with a mental health professional is the first step toward feeling like yourself again and living the most fulfilling life possible.
Today, we are going to talk about one of the many mental health frameworks out there. This framework is known as the 5 C’s of Mental Health, and it is one way of thinking about what it looks like to be mentally well. The 5 C’s in question are competence, confidence, character, connection, and caring. We will dive deeper into each of these areas of mental health throughout the course of this article, painting a picture of what it looks like to be mentally well.
Why take our word for it? Here at Triumph Behavioral Health, we are a Maryland wellness center focused on providing empathetic and personalized care for our clients. We work with individuals who are struggling with their mental health and want to feel good again. Our team of PMHNPs, or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, has specialized training that allows us to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. We can also prescribe medication and support our clients with medication management.
If you are reading this article, you are already taking a step in the right direction by educating yourself about mental wellness. If you are ready to take the next step, consider reaching out to our team today. We serve clients in the Baltimore County area and beyond in Maryland.
The 5 C’s of Mental Wellness
There are many different ways to define what it means to be mentally well, and the 5 C’s of Mental Health is just one of these frameworks. However, we have found that when our clients exhibit each of the 5 C’s, they are well on their way toward feeling mentally healthy again.
Competence
In terms of mental health, competence refers to the feeling of being capable of coping with the challenges and obstacles life throws your way. If you feel competent, you believe that you can achieve your goals. There are many different opportunities to exhibit competence in your life, including in the workplace, at home, and in your hobbies or activities. People who are struggling with their mental health often do not feel well-equipped to handle everyday life, let alone succeed on a larger scale. Part of mental wellness is believing in yourself and feeling like you have the tools to handle whatever life throws your way. You can also develop coping skills and a mental health toolbox through therapy or behavioral health care.
Confidence
When you have confidence, you believe in yourself and have a positive self-image. You know your worth, and you also believe you can grow and improve over time, continually working toward the person that you want to be. When you do not feel confident, it can be hard to take risks or even advocate for yourself. You might feel as though you are not worthy of close relationships or any of the positive things life has to offer. However, building confidence in yourself is an important part of your mental health. You are worthy, you are loved, and you do deserve the best that life has to offer. Therapy is a great setting to work on building confidence.
Character
When you have character, you demonstrate ethical behavior. You take responsibility for your actions, and you adhere to the values that are important to you. Furthermore, you understand these values and have a well-developed idea of your priorities and moral code. There are many activities you can engage in to identify your values, including online tests or value sorts. Once you know what your values are, you can work on living into those values each day. Discussing your values with your therapist can also help you identify areas where you are shining as well as places where you can improve your value-driven life.
Connection
This one is pretty straightforward! Connection simply means feeling connected to others. You have supportive relationships and belong to a community in which you feel seen and cared for. When you are struggling with mental health concerns, it can be tough to reach out to those around you. However, humans are wired for connection – and facing life’s hardest moments on your own can lead to loneliness and even increased anxiety and depression. Fostering a strong social network is important for mental health. When you have connection in your life, you are also well-positioned to employ the final C on this list, caring.
Caring
Exhibiting caring means that you show compassion and empathy. You display concern both for yourself and others, and you are invested in the well-being of other people, particularly those you care about. Caring comes in many forms. Maybe it is calling a friend on their birthday, sending a letter to an aging parent, or even just praising a coworker for a job well done. When you exude caring into the world, you will help lift up those around you… And the favor might just come back your way in time!
Get the Support You Need at Triumph Behavioral Health
At Triumph, we support clients in the Baltimore County area and beyond. If you are looking for a therapist in Towson or mental health care in Arbutus, we are here to help. We have two offices, one in Linthicum Heights and one in Catonsville, and we can also see clients digitally. Our guiding principle is providing a listening ear and empathetic, rewarding services for our clients. You can trust that at Triumph, we care.
Get in touch with us today to schedule your same week therapy appointment.