Aki Hirata Baker Does Not Think She's Better Than Her Depression

[@shelovesplants]

stunning, "my focus is to always be integral and authentic, but being authentic really means that I won't be the same all the time."

[@elisagoodkind7694]

We LOVE it too!

[@blacknessg]

She explained it well

[@cajaundfrei]

"I felt safe enough, that actually I can fall apart"

[@myrilunalee9999]

Literally brought to tears with this line. Cause happened to my life recently. And though it was scary, I'm grateful.

[@gforcethomas]

I don't believe I will ever feel that safe in this life

[@cajaundfrei]

@@gforcethomas I am so sorry, you feel that way! I hope things will change for you

[@witchsistah]

I was lucky to have had this luxury in the throes of my suicidal depression. It took YEARS!

[@faye1606]

I cannot believe how right on time this is for me. The ideology of being perpetually happy is such a stressful expectation to try to meet, and I feel like when people know you're depressed they are constantly waiting for you to "slip up". There is this unrealistic emotional stability that is expected and when it is not performed correctly there are consequences. All I know is I spent my first 18 years of life denying my reality and emotions and needs and it did nothing for me. Never again will I edit my personal experiences to placate a false sense of positivity.

[@elisagoodkind7694]

Yes, have all of the emotions and none of them are shameful :))

[@katkatkatkat463]

🙌🏻 🙌🏻 🙌🏻

[@RayneBlakeman]

Omg hiii 👋👋👋💞

[@Bacalhoeira]

So well written!

[@faye1606]

@@RayneBlakeman omg figures I'd run into you here sweetie!!

[@naikamathurin2610]

the universe sent this video to me and I am so grateful

[@tiffanyhoward9935]

Yes!

[@MajorMkor]

“This is the body that I needed to have in order for me to see my purpose and work on my purpose”

[@kittytakd9618]

Thank you for showcasing an Asian woman!!! I always hoped you would represent more asians in this project 🧡

[@StyleLikeU1]

We are so, so happy to have Aki in the series! ❤️❤️❤️ Thanks for supporting :)

[@NanoYoga]

That was such a lovely interview, I'm half Japanese and living in Japan, but grew up from birth in Europe. My father also died of suicide, and I also never got to go to his funeral, as it was during the start of the pandemic. So I really relate to that situation, the regret, the missed opportunity to empathise with a parent, whose so far away in another country with a severe mental illness. Aki said she wanted to change the world and she will by surviving through all her hardships, her bouts of depression, to share her story and the healing work that she teaches.

[@StyleLikeU1]

Thank you for sharing this ❤️ You are so right that she is changing the world with her existence - just like you! Thank you so much for watching and sending you lots of love xoxo

[@BrittKatSlat]

This was one of the best videos in these series. I absolutely love her. She’s the realest.

[@elisagoodkind7694]

So happy to hear! xo

[@iBRiDGE380]

"In that deep misery painfully but quite honestly comfortably" Endless depth in this.

[@Kalzifer647]

"I have to manage it to live with it" THIS IS IT, that’s what people need to understand.. all we can so is try to do our best, but it needs to be taken into consideration that we are not always able to do everything that "normal" people are able to..

[@aileenh6494]

She speaks my soul out.. I feel the same, act the same, each day im kind of a different person and that's my authentic self which I love - but people get confused sometimes.. I never had kids because im scared my depression will get in the way, and maybe if I get the wrong man things will just spiral down..

[@StyleLikeU1]

We're so glad Aki's story resonated with you ❤️ Thank you for watching and sending you love!

[@jmaldo92]

I so freaking relate to this. Like to a T

[@indigo6485]

i really felt when she said she knew her children will have to go through life just like she did she can't be that protector all the time life is something we cant control

[@Erturkturan6]

wow, what a beautiful way of taking accountability, and not hating your mistakes of your illnesses, but rather accept them and see that they serve a greater purpose. I am inspired and motivated to overcome my own challenges.

[@StyleLikeU1]

We're so glad Aki's story inspired you! Thank you for watching ❤️

[@Erturkturan6]

@@StyleLikeU1 You guys are bulldozing centuries of heteronormative actions. I am inspired by your content! Thank you!

[@ChocoCarmelApple]

It’s so true. That when your in a safe space. With friends or family that you can trust. You can fall apart because you know they are there for you 💗

[@StyleLikeU1]

Definitely! Those people are so important ❤️❤️ Thanks for watching!

[@annabelleehelpme]

All of these episodes speak to me, but this one in particular warmed my heart. Being a mom and struggling day to day to manage my mental illness and be there properly for my child... I’ve never seen it articulated like this before. So direct, thoughtful, and inspired. This woman is special.

[@StyleLikeU1]

We're so happy you could see your own story represented in her's! She definitely is amazing xoxo

[@annabelleehelpme]

@@StyleLikeU1 I’ve been following your channel and podcasts ever since Domino’s Mother Supreme episode which came out while I was pregnant with my daughter ❤️ That episode found me at the perfect time as well. I admire your interview form and I think it brings out beautiful insights from these amazing people.

[@MajorMkor]

I also started watching from that episode! Thank you for reminding me of it and of that time in my life.

[@potterka1]

she is so beautiful, inside out. I wish more people with severe depression would hear her talk about how medication ultimately helped her start getting better. As a clinical psychologist I see so many people stilll riddled with shame or stigma about antidepressants and watching them get worse while knowing there is a thing that could make them get better is the most heartbreaking thing ever.

[@StyleLikeU1]

Thank you for sharing this. We're so glad she's sharing her story and breaking stigmas as well!💗💗

[@eh3477]

There is also the experience that many people have tried multiple different antidepressants, and they don't get better. There's a lot of judgement from the medical system about this: somehow the patients "aren't trying hard enough" when the various drugs just aren't working with their body chemistry or producing results for them.

[@emma-mq4ie]

Yeah, theres also a lot of pressure to go on meds when that's not a one size fits all situation.

[@asisgenisis5726]

Wow, there is so much power in vulnerability. I think practicing radical honesty is so important to our healing. Thank you for sharing your story Aki and thank you @stylelikeu for continuing to provide a platform for these stories

[@StyleLikeU1]

Exactly!! 💗💗So glad you love our videos. Thank you for watching!

[@sf5823]

I think the mother and daughter were both the victim of narcissistic abuse. They look for vunerability in order to target their victims, so any mental health or empathic qualities is what they prey on. Depression is incredibly debilitating, in fact it's crippling at times.

[@SuperHellokitty1973]

I love everything thing about this this and her.

[@StyleLikeU1]

Thanks for watching! So happy to hear❤️

[@banxeescreems3337]

The part about ideation and delusional thinking really hit home. A little over a year ago, I was making my way towards a bridge in the middle of the night after months of being unemployed and in absolute despair. I left my best friend a voicemail telling her I loved her and apologized for everything. I have no family and friends still, outside of her and my aunt. I’ve tried all my adult life to break free from the dysfunctional and loveless environment I grew up in. I know that my life would most likely be better and I would be a much happier and successful person if I didn’t have Depression and the other mental illnesses I struggle with. But I’m still here somehow. I’m not sure why, but it’s something to hold onto I suppose. My best friend got my voicemail and called me abruptly back before I reached the bridge. She made me swear to her I’d stay. I still sometimes struggle with feelings of worthlessness and burdening those who care about me and not wanting to cause them pain. It eats away at you a lot. Those who say a positive attitude alone is even remotely a viable option for improvement has an astounding privilege and severe lack of understanding with how destabilizing and exhausting Depression is. It doesn’t matter how “bad” it is, it can steal years, relationships, positive changes, and so much more from you and convince you you deserve it. Even with therapy and medications, I still fear I will never have a partner, a career, hell even a healthy loving family. When I try to befriend people or reach out, nothing works out and people treat me like a leper. I do appreciate brave voices like hers and the others on this channel who offer stories of resilience and hope, wisdom through the hardship. I hope I can find that within myself, especially right now.

[@nicoeeek.7181]

I fucking love her. Ten seconds in and I have chills

[@StyleLikeU1]

Aah love this! 💗 so happy you loved the video. Thank you for watching!

[@loveritas]

Aki Hirata , you are rare, original, authentic, brave and very beautiful Women! Thank you for sharing your story as I believe millions if not billions can relate to your story at least in some ways, including myself !

[@elisagoodkind7694]

Thank you!!!! xo

[@racharoundtheworld]

This was beautiful. I love that she’s undressing the whole time. Very symbolic

[@sallithorpe1031]

I’m sorry you lost your Mom to suicide and weren’t able to attend her funeral. It’s time to let the guilt go 🙏. You loved her and she you and that’s enough 💞. Japan is a very tough culture for both men and women, especially the old ways. Hopefully it gets better as people welcome in new ways and cultures. I appreciated this interview and I wish you the best, thank you for being real about clinical depression. It’s an ‘ongoing partner’ like a parasite.

[@cassandraknight8804]

Painfully but comfortable pain...... I understand this. I am not bigger than my health problems, excepting them and understanding them does make it possible to keep going on the best path possible. Thank you.

[@stitchwitch-c1q]

Thank you for this. As someone who has lived side by side with depression for yeeearss, this conversation was really wonderful. I know a lot of people with varying degrees of intersections with mental health with appreciate this. 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@StyleLikeU1]

💗So glad you related to Aki's story! Sending you love💗

[@bgNightmareTunaRoT]

I like her introductions, she got me hooked to hear what was her story and what she had to say. Beautiful person

[@Moony_228]

i love the (correct me if im wrong) reassurance/ validated everyone feels after telling their story and being praised with words such as "that was beautiful"

[@chantillylace1369]

Your story is so powerful and truly gave me a really perspective. I feel like I’ve gotten permission to stop beating myself up because of who I am. Just be.

[@StyleLikeU1]

We're so happy you were moved by Aki's story ❤️ Thank you for watching! Much love xoxo

[@lovelykali]

I loved the symbolism of her shedding her layers as her story progresses throughout the video. As she removes clothes you see her literally open up more and maybe I'm reading too much into it but it is such a beautiful thing to witness. Thank you Aki for your honesty and authenticity and bravery to share your story.

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

i don't think you're reading too much into it....i mean, it's kind of the whole premise of the show

[@gina333]

Girl, you don't need to shrink for anyone. There will always be people who think you're too much for them but maybe they're just not enough for you. Expand endlessly. xx

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

except if you live in a country where you are punished for not shrinking and your life becomes miserable either way

[@iBRiDGE380]

"Since I was 10"... to feeeeel a destiny and follow it. Whenever it take you.

[@anuncolonizedmind6296]

She's awesome, she also has a great sense of style

[@iBRiDGE380]

"That unshakable trust in knowing that I am where I need to be."

[@davinaz6885]

Holy shit this is powerful

[@elisagoodkind7694]

Thank you!! xo

[@nicolaablett7790]

THANK YOU wonderful woman and everything u share links with my reading and studying of resilience Recognising manipulatory behaviour is so destructive, breaking out is a big risk and requires huge internal strength Bless you Hope your children are all well

[@stainy14]

beautiful.x.x.x you are a reflection of me, and im so blessed that I heard you talk about depression in this way... a true warrior of the heart.x.x.x love light and rainbows

[@StyleLikeU1]

We're so happy to hear that you related to and were moved by Aki's story! 💗

[@tasneembashir2733]

I never related to a video more than this one .. & the one that's says "depression is like a big dark dog". I'm at a stage of life where I can wreck my life better than anyone around me. Please leave positive comments 🙏 I hope we all heal

[@StyleLikeU1]

Thank you for sharing this. So much healing can be done through radical honesty! We love that Aki's words resonated with you. Sending you so much love xoxo

[@allyson--]

This brought me so many different emotions, it's almost overwhelming. It would be very interesting to hear the story from her children as well (as long as they are old enough & willing).

[@ZZ-qy5mv]

100% struggle with knowing my child will be hurt as they go through life.

[@susannakaysen2602]

This was exactly what I needed today. What an incredible woman.

[@StyleLikeU1]

💗💗So happy you loved the video and Aki's story xoxo Thanks for supporting!

[@woodchuck2397]

Her honesty is refreshing. Beautiful.

[@gwendolynsinclair]

Aki, thank you for speaking from your heart. Captivated by your words from start to finish! Awesome interview💪💓

[@StyleLikeU1]

💗💗We're so glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for embracing Aki's story!! xoxo

[@loony10]

she is so insightful and her honesty is just refreshing

[@kitsisebati466]

I love how she expresses herself! Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@3nrika]

What a wonderful lady! Very refreshing, I wish more people would have the courage to be this authentic.

[@spellsforfreedom8102]

AKI!!! So lovely to see you in my feed! Reiki godmother

[@BlindRiott]

What beautiful insights, well done to all involved.

[@lemoncakesandmoonpies]

This is very real,I appreciate this.

[@mariekrebs2394]

This was so dope. The undressing was very powerful. 💕

[@marab4391]

What a lovely person inside and out. I am in awe of this woman. She exudes an energy I'd like to have more of in my life. Beautiful.

[@genesisperdomosantos2677]

So raw and real. What a magical woman.

[@michelepastele5347]

What a beautiful soul she is. And brave for sharing what brought her to the present. Thanks.

[@bittenlips22]

i’m very grateful to know Aki in real life and yes, she is this cool and deep and authentic in person. ♥️

[@r.d.8172]

Oh man I relate so much to her journey, or maybe to her kids', cause my parents tried really hard to protect me, but in the end me and my sisters we all deal with depression. It's hard to realize that no matter what, bad things can happen and you get hurt just because this is life on Earth. I hope we all can continue to heal, we deserve it.

[@Natasha-wc7xm]

She’s loud and she owns it! Go girl. ❤️

[@treesnhoney]

i'm so inspired by her strength and authenticity. thank you for sharing this story.

[@iBRiDGE380]

"Its easy for me to do it for the collective, its hard for me to do it for me." Relatable timelines.

[@iam_trinikimmy]

That was very insightful and I also realized that I need to embrace the hard and not so good times and the depression also, because they will keep on keeping on.

[@luciesupstairs]

"in that deep misery painfully but also comfortably...."!!

[@quietcell]

Thank you Aki 🙏🏾

[@helenegoulding2215]

One of my favourites so far. What a beautiful authentic soul 🙏 Love her x

[@v.d.6131]

Amazing woman ! Thank you for this great interview🙏

[@StyleLikeU1]

So happy you loved the video ❤️ Thank you for embracing her story!!

[@feliciasemebene1761]

Thank you for sharing your story. It gave me a different perspective on depression.

[@JL-xk8yi]

This channel has brought me so much peace and motivation. Thank you for creating meaningful, purposeful, humanist content.

[@morganlily.]

I’ve been watching your videos for years now and this one has to be one of my favorites.

[@clementine_roy]

Thank you Aki for these words, and thank you Style Like U for giving them to us

[@Kitanaii]

Very beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing your story, Aki!

[@StyleLikeU1]

Thank you for embracing Aki's story 🥰

[@ebunni5862]

Wow. So much of her story was like she was telling me about myself. I'm 1/4 Japanese and didn't grow up in Japan but people didn't like that I was/am boisterous and loud. Pretty much at every turn people told me to not be myself; except my mom. I have depression been diagnosed for several years now; at 33 sometimes I wonder if life is worth living. She gives me hope that I can keep going even though the depression will never leave me.

[@rebeccalankford8573]

Wonderfully and honestly expressed. Thank you. Your amazing. Overcoming oppression and energy vampires is hard. Emotional Intelligence and raising vibration is a practice. Best wishes to you!

[@aixendoracastro3312]

love this...just at the right moment..thank you so much for sharing..it resonated with me...every word...brave and honest...xox

[@StyleLikeU1]

So happy to hear Aki's story resonated with you and that you loved the video! Sending you lots of love xoxo

[@aixendoracastro3312]

@@StyleLikeU1 love and respect right back atcha....xox

[@vintagegal5616]

Very powerful. That’s all I can say. 🌺🌹

[@warriors_of_light5559]

Such an incredible format, so real and heartfelt, thank you guys

[@StyleLikeU1]

So happy you love the videos! Thank you for your support! ❤️❤️ Stay tuned for more mental health-focused videos this month!

[@janapickart3922]

What an absolutely beautiful soul! Thank you so much for sharing your story. Your experiences resonate so much with mine.

[@xKeshaMusic]

Thank you so much Aki

[@luciddreams6210]

I can relate to so much of this. Probably more than any other episode I've watched so far.

[@chilloften]

I love her already, so real.

[@gingera4316]

I like this because my daughter have a estranged relationship she says did you know you are a depressed person? I said hell yes you bet I am. I have been through things but I have help with therapy and medicine. I just deal day by day I suffer from breast cancer PTSD.. Not so hot relationships. But I am doing g the best I can. Here I am again I commented 3 months before. But I love her❤💜

[@carmel-wayfinder5401]

Seek out!! I'm proud of you I can TOTALLY relate 🌹♥️💯

[@softreductor]

Thank you for this xx

[@elenafetter9690]

Bless you, Aki. 💗

[@redfoxxvampette475]

I needed this today. Thank you. 🥰

[@midnightcat6116]

She’s super inspirational!! This is exactly what i needed to experience. Thank you! 💗🙏

[@GatheringPlace123]

Got so much, to hold on to.

[@46chambersoflife]

who the hell wants to be happy all the time...i like the sun too but its be awfully annoying sleeping with the sun out all the time.

[@176vrod]

Aki is a stunning and beautiful human!!

[@girlwomen4685]

I appreciate this. So much

[@PS-bs8oe]

Afin, where to start? That you said out loud what I always thought; that I love my wrists?! Definitely going to listen to you again and write down your thoughts. I guess we all got mindblown a bit with your beauty in all aspects. Not easy to confess but yet honestly determined to feel comfy from time to time and embrace the total spectrum of life's emotions. And in such an astonishing beautiful way. Thank you hardly embraces the infinite Gratitude. From time to time souls touch, that's magic gifts from Nature. So aware that Today, you are having new thoughts, different, so if you ever evolve into having a socialmedia outlet, let us know.

[@daphneyflowers6921]

Beautiful! Thank you!💜

[@CharlesQuiles86]

beautiful responses. thank you for sharing

[@InsideouttrainingWB]

She is a rockstar!

[@gnatlou]

absolutely gorgeous inside and out

[@felicitymasombuka5285]

Thank you

[@yogablossom100]

Stunning you! Thank you! 💗

[@lawrenceguy2381]

Thank you for sharing

[@azpartam3566]

i really love this lady! she is awesome!

[@trippytofu]

this was powerful.

[@cris_here]

I loved this content. Thank you for sharing

[@Sualaurangelica]

♥️ great interview

[@koreath]

It's interesting, because I went to Saitama, Yorii town, and the owner/worker/manager of the farm was a woman and the men that would at times help out from other farms would take orders from Her, Keiko San.