There are two days that stand out for me as the most important days of my life as a working mother. The first is the day I returned to work after my maternity leave. The second is yesterday, the day I drove with my two bosses to meet Karen Kleiman, national leader/rock star in postpartum mental health issues.

My “connection” to Karen spans almost 3 years–she founded and runs the Postpartum Stress Center (PPSC), where I received treatment when I was struggling with PPD/PPA. I credit her indirectly with aiding my recovery: If I hadn’t learned about the PPSC, I wouldn’t have met my therapist and who knows how my life would be different today–and my son’s life.

Yesterday, I got to hug Karen. And I got to hear her insight about a project close to my heart, a project my bosses are taking seriously–which has me fantasizing about my potential contribution to the PPD community. Forgive me for not saying too much right now.

If you aren’t familiar with Karen’s work–and there is a lot of it–you should be. Even if you aren’t a woman struggling with a postpartum mental health issue, you might be a friend, husband, or family member to someone who is.

You never know how a wise, well-timed suggestion, a hug, or a simple “I understand” might change someone’s day.

My suggestion to you is to check out some of Karen’s work–her books, her blog, her articles for Psychology Today and other resources. Her work is her passion, and it is a gift to families like mine.