Seventeen-year-old Natalia Yurecko of Chanhassen has published “Through Her Eyes: Understanding Anxiety, OCD, and the Truth That You Are Not Broken,” a mother–daughter book about growing up with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The book is co-authored with her mother, Nanette Yurecko, a retired educator and family support group facilitator.
Diagnosed with OCD and anxiety at age 7, Natalia participated in evidence-based treatment in Minnesota during childhood. Now a high school junior, she speaks openly about recovery and reducing stigma around youth mental health.
“Anxiety can be loud in your mind and invisible to everyone else,” Natalia said. “I wanted young people to know they are not broken and to help parents understand what it feels like from the inside.”
The book combines Natalia’s lived experience with her mother’s perspective, offering insight into diagnosis, treatment, identity and healing. It is written for teens, caregivers and educators seeking a clearer understanding of youth mental health.
Natalia has also testified during Minnesota’s legislative session in support of expanding school-based mental health resources and helped initiate companion bills in the House and Senate focused on increasing student wellness funding.
“When we began this project, we said that if it helped even one family feel less alone, it would be worth it,” Nanette said.
The ebook edition of “Through Her Eyes” recently reached #1 on Amazon’s Top New Releases in its categories and is available in ebook and paperback formats.
As youth anxiety rates continue to rise nationwide, the authors said they hope their story contributes to broader conversations about early intervention, school-based support and family understanding.
