Journey

Welcome to your Mat -Su College educational journey. There are many rewarding experiences along the path to your ultimate goal, but there will also be challenges along the way. The Journey Program focuses on health and wellness activities to build up the Mat-Su College community and to help you rise to challenges, cope with stress, and stay healthy as you make your way through this exciting, but often hectic, time in your life.

 
Journey logo
 
                                      

Journey-Approved Activities

  • September

    Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training
    9/17 at 10 am
    Zoom : https://alaska.zoom.us/j/89771479019
    Description: Learn about the suicide risks, warning signs and how to communicate with someone who may be at risk. Familiarize yourself with campus & community resources in a virtual training.

    Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training
    9/26 at 4 pm
    Zoom : https://alaska.zoom.us/j/89771479019
    Description: Learn about the suicide risks, warning signs and how to communicate with someone who may be at risk. Familiarize yourself with campus & community resources in a virtual training.

  •  October

    Relax with Therapy Dogs
    10/7 - 10/10  from 10 am to 2 pm
    FSM Lobby  (October 9th only: location change! Therapy dogs will be in the Atrium this date due to a conflicting event. )
    Description: Carole Shay from Alaska Assistance Dogs is bringing dogs Stanette and Gabe to the Mat-Su College FSM Lobby for some cuddles and hugs during mid-terms. Stop by to visit our furry friends.

    Nature Walk 
    10/23 & 10/24 at Noon
    FSM Lobby
    Description: Explore the extensive Mat-Su College trail system during this casual stroll. 

  •  November
    Nature Walk 
    11/25 & 11/26 at Noon
    FSM Lobby
    Description: Explore the extensive Mat-Su College trail system during this casual stroll. 
     
  •  December
    Relax with Therapy Dogs
    12/9 - 12/12  from 10 am to 2 pm
    FSM Lobby
    Description: Carole Shay from Alaska Assistance Dogs is bringing dogs Stanette and Gabe to the Mat-Su College FSM Lobby for some cuddles and hugs during finals week. Stop by to visit our furry friends.
  • January  

    Nature Walk 
    1/29 & 1/30
    Noon
    FSM Lobby
    Description: Explore the extensive Mat-Su College trail system during this casual stroll. 

  • February

    Valentines Day Card Making
    2/3 through 2/12
    All day
    On the Bridge
    Description: Make a Valentines Day card for veterans and residents of local aged care facilities. Supplies will be housed on the bridge for students, faculty and staff to use. It only takes a few minutes to brighten someones day!

    Nature Walk 
    2/10 & 2/11
    Noon
    FSM Lobby
    Description: Explore the extensive Mat-Su College trail system during this casual stroll. 

  • March
    Relax with Therapy Dogs
    3/3 - 3/6  from 10 am to 2 pm
    FSM Lobby
    Description: Carole Shay from Alaska Assistance Dogs is bringing dogs to the Mat-Su College FSM Lobby for some cuddles and hugs during mid-term week. Stop by to visit our furry friends.
     
  • April
     
  • May
     


Counseling Services

Mat-Su College students may receive up to 5 free counseling appointments with an licensed behavioral health clinician. To make an appointment, call Mat-Su Health Services at 907-376-2411 and identify yourself as a Mat-Su College student. You may meet with the clinician on campus or at Mat-Su Health Services.

Mat-Su Valley Community Resources

Visit the United Way website for a complete listing of local organizations and agencies.

 

My Mental Health: Do I need Help?

First, determine how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life.

illustration of a student resting in bed
Do I have mild symptoms that have lasted for less than 2 weeks?
  • Feeling a little down
  • Feeling down, but still able to do job, schoolwork, or housework
  • Some trouble sleeping
  • Feeling down, but still able to take care of yourself or take care of others
Illustration of jogger
If so, here are some self-care activities that can help:
  • Exercising (e.g., aerobics, yoga)
  • Engaging in social contact (virtual or in person)
  • Getting adequate sleep on a regular schedule
  • Eating Healthy
  • Talking to a trusted friend or family member
  • Practicing meditation, relaxation, and mindfulness

If the symptom above do not improve or seem to be worsening despite self-care efforts, talk to your health care provider.

 

illustration of student being rained on
Do I have severe symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more?
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Appetite changes that result in unwanted weight changes
  • Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of mood
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable
  • Unable to perform usual daily functions and responsibilities
  • Thoughts of death or self-harm

 

Illustration of doctor
Seek professional help:
  • Psychotherapy (talk-therapy)—virtual or in person; individual, group or family
  • Medications
  • Brain stimulation therapies

For help finding treatment, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp.

If you are in a crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255),
or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).

 

Publications

Depression Basics (PDF)Seasonal Affective Disorder (PDF)Teen Depression (PDF)

*The views and language expressed by student organizations on their websites and materials are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of Mat-Su College.