Last year, Stanford witnessed four campus deaths related to mental health. The past two years have also seen campus shootings at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University. Though campus has been relatively quiet this year, the prevalence of such events in the past means that we should not shift the conversation away from mental health.

Like any top-tier academic institution, Stanford University navigates a fine line between pushing students to succeed and over-pressuring them. Stanford students are particularly vulnerable to the “duck” syndrome, a reference to the pressure students feel to appear relaxed and in control even while struggling — similar to a duck’s serene appearance above water while its legs paddle frantically below to stay afloat.

Currently, Stanford’s primary mental health resources are the Bridge Peer Counseling Center, Vaden’s Health Promotional Services and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). The Bridge, staffed by trained students, is laudable in its service as both a steppingstone to professional advice and as a peer mental health facility in its own right. For those uncomfortable speaking to professionals, confiding in another student who is familiar with the demands of college life can be less intimidating. The Bridge also works to dispel stigmas about mental health and the reluctance of many students about approaching professionals at CAPS.

Last spring, after the student deaths, Stanford convened a Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Task Force to assess conditions and suggest changes. The results of the task force are currently being discussed and changes will be implemented in the coming days.

The editorial board notes, however, that many of the necessary changes regarding mental health must come at a grassroots level. Bridge and CAPS serve their purpose admirably, and resources like the Office for Religious Life, community centers and residence staff are plentiful across campus. The bigger challenge to overcome on campus, however, is reducing the stigma barrier preventing students from hiding their problems and fighting them alone. Furthermore, other students must be aware of how to listen to, and speak with, struggling peers. To that end, student organizations like Stanford Peace of Mind (SPOM) and Mirror can greatly benefit the Stanford campus, both by raising awareness and teaching openness.

While considering mental health issues, this campus must also recognize the significant differences between its undergraduate and graduate populations. The demands and outside stresses on these two groups vary tremendously, so any improvement would necessarily take into account both groups individually.

During the past few weeks of ASSU campaigning, a recurring theme across the platforms, both of aspiring senators and executives, was the need for mental health reform. Candidates listed many ideas for improving mental health resources on campus: expanding CAPS’ 10 free sessions for students; ensuring continuity in treatment by guaranteeing repeat appointments with the same therapists; and adding more psychiatrists to the staff. We worry about how much of this can realistically be implemented, but we are encouraged by the attention. Confronting such a nuanced and intractable problem requires full attention, as well as bilateral cooperation between students and the administration. Upon the unveiling of the recommendations of the task force, we hope that both student-run organizations and relative administrative departments take heed of these suggestions and renew their dedication to mental health.