Frequently Asked Questions

You're Not Alone (YNA) is a Chicago-based mental health podcast hosted by Sina Balouch. Across 5 seasons and 50+ episodes, the show breaks the stigma around issues we don't see — depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, grief, PTSD, and more — through honest conversations with experts, advocates, and people who've lived through it.

YNA is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, and iHeart Radio. You can also stream every episode directly on this site at ynamentalhealth.org/podcast.

Start by listening without trying to fix. Ask open questions, validate what they're feeling, and ask what kind of support they want — sometimes that's company, sometimes it's space. Don't push them to be "positive." If you're worried about safety, share crisis resources (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741) and offer to help them find a therapist. The episodes on grief, depression, and bipolar are good starting points for understanding what your person may be going through.

Please reach out for help now. In the U.S., call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line) — both are free, confidential, and available 24/7. If you're in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You are not alone, and there are people trained to help right now.

We love hearing from experts, advocates, and people with lived experience. Pitch yourself through the contact page — choose the "Guest Pitch" tab and tell us about your background, the topics you want to discuss, and why YNA is the right fit. We read every submission.

We work with brands, nonprofits, and organizations whose values align with mental health awareness. Use the Sponsor / Collab tab on the contact page or email contact@ynamentalhealth.org with details about your goals.

Yes. Every purchase from the YNA shop supports the podcast — production, hosting, guest outreach, and our ability to keep the show free for listeners worldwide. Wearing the merch also starts conversations about mental health, which is part of breaking the stigma.

Yes. Every episode of You're Not Alone is free to stream on every platform. The podcast is supported by listener-purchased merch, sponsors, and partner organizations.

Absolutely. About half of our listeners tune in to better understand what someone they love is going through — partners, parents, kids, friends. Mental health affects everyone, even if you've never been diagnosed yourself.

Please do. Sharing episodes is one of the best ways to help us reach people who need them. Tag @ynamentalhealth on Instagram or TikTok and we'll see it.