The radio shock jock who made fun of the postpartum depression suffered by the wife of New Jersey's acting governor should be offered sensitivity counseling by the mental health community - and should be required by his station management to attend.

Women who are willing to speak openly about the problem merit compassion, understanding and appreciation on behalf of others affected by the condition. They shouldn't be ridiculed about a health problem not of their own making.

The radio host in question, Craig Carton of WKXW-FM, enjoys the right of free speech, just like other Americans. But some semblance of a maturity factor should be in play for Carton, despite his radio role. His suggestion that women who suffer from postpartum depression should relax by smoking marijuana "instead of putting their babies in the microwave" showed his lack of maturity and his insensitivity regarding a problem from which neither his family nor circle of friends is necessarily immune.

Mary Jo Codey, wife of acting New Jersey Gov. Richard J. Codey, is displaying good judgment in using Carton's insult as a platform to hopefully help other women afflicted with the problem. She has spoken to women's groups about her joyless first year of motherhood 20 years ago when she had thoughts of drowning her son in a bathtub and putting the baby in a microwave.

She received shock treatments and spent time in a psychiatric hospital in her battle against the mental illness.

To their credit, members of Carton's station management have struck a deal with mental health advocates to air public service announcements during Carton's program. But they erred in not taking the extra step of requiring that Carton learn more about mental illness, including postpartum depression.

Even a shock jock should have a glimmer of understanding about what he's talking about before offering suggestions about what others should or should not do - especially on mental health issues.