"I want someone to listen, but I can't tell anyone"—Psychiatrist Tomy and Listening Service LivelyTalk Host Event on 'The Art of Venting' for Overachievers

This period, often associated with "May sickness," "June sickness," and "rainy season sluggishness," sees a general increase in reports of mental health issues. LivelyTalk, an online listening service operated by Lively Inc. (Location: Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture; Representative Director: Eri Oka), regularly receives consultations from individuals grappling with "fuzziness" or discomfort that isn't severe enough for a hospital visit but is difficult to discuss with close acquaintances. It's a place for those who can't quite explain why they're struggling, but are indeed suffering, to "talk and organize" their feelings rather than bearing it alone.

"It's not serious enough for a hospital. But it's tough."

—No diagnosis. But definitely painful. Many people must have experienced such "inexpressible distress." Psychiatrist Tomy has named this state "pre-depression."

What is "pre-depression"?

A concept proposed by psychiatrist Tomy in his latest book, "Pre-Depression: A Consultation Room for Days When You Can't Say 'I'm Okay'" (Shuwa System Shinsha). It refers to individuals who are not diagnosed with depression but routinely experience undiagnosed malaise.

Not diagnosed with depression

But routinely experiencing undiagnosed malaise

"No medication will be prescribed," "No reason to rest," "So I have to manage it myself."

These are the people who tell themselves this and put on a smile today, as Tomy points out. They are the most overlooked by society and are left to bear the burden of self-care alone.

Against this background, Lively Inc. will host a dialogue event on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, featuring psychiatrist Tomy as a guest. The event is titled "The Art of Venting for Overachievers—Psychiatrist Tomy Discusses 'Pre-Depression' Manual." This event will be the 5th installment of "Active Listening Talks (ALT)" and is scheduled to be held in Shibuya, Tokyo.

What are Active Listening Talks (ALT)?

Active Listening Talks (ALT) is a monthly talk event series hosted by Lively Inc. Lively's representative, Eri Oka (Active Listening Specialist), engages in dialogue with guest lecturers active in various fields to delve deeper into themes. The aim is to explore the value and practice of "listening" from diverse perspectives, including interviewers, educators, and business owners.

Event Schedule and Planned Themes:

Part 1 | Psychiatrist Tomy: The True Nature of "Pre-Depression" and Invisible SOS

What kind of state is "pre-depression"?

Why is "pre-depression" increasing in society now?

Who is prone to it? (Warning signs)

But it's okay—directions for hope

Part 2 | Eri Oka: To You Who Can No Longer Hear Your Own Voice

On-site experience as a former psychiatric occupational therapist

Problem statement: "Pre-depression" is the most neglected group in society

Message: It's okay to take care of yourself

Episodes of people who recovered from depression/pre-depression by "being listened to" at LivelyTalk

Part 3 | Dialogue: The Smallest Thing You Can Do for Yourself Starting Today (Tomy x Eri Oka)

Dialogue centered on book themes (resting / letting go of expectations / reclaiming oneself / coming to terms with reality)

Two-pronged self-care: "listening to your own voice" and "having someone listen to you"

Concrete actions participants can take on the same day

Q&A / Networking Time: Optional participation

Speakers:

Psychiatrist Tomy

Psychiatrist Tomy (Seishinkai Tomy)

Born in 1978. Graduated from Nagoya University School of Medicine. Certified specialist of the Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology, Designated Psychiatrist. Over 390,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter). Bestselling "1-Second Series" has sold over 360,000 copies. Over 30 books published. Latest book: "Pre-Depression: A Consultation Room for Days When You Can't Say 'I'm Okay'" (Shuwa System Shinsha).

Eri Oka, Representative Director, Lively Inc.

Eri Oka (Oka Eri) / Representative Director & CEO, Lively Inc.

After graduating from Kanagawa Prefectural University of Health and Welfare, worked as an occupational therapist in psychiatry and home rehabilitation. Found it difficult to balance raising three children and work, became a full-time housewife, and in solitude, re-recognized the value of communication that "people feel better just by being listened to." Founded Lively Inc. in 2020. Operates the listening service LivelyTalk and develops active listening training for corporations. Organizer of Active Listening Talks (ALT).

Event Overview:

Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2026, 13:30 Doors Open / 14:00-16:00 (Networking until 16:30)

Venue: Shibuya Honmachi Community Center (4-39-1 Honmachi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

Access: 12-minute walk from Keio New Line "Hatsudai" Station / Tokyo