Veronica Petrucci is celebrating the release of her Made It Out Alive Deluxe Edition, but behind the music is a heartbreaking story she says almost ended in tragedy.
The veteran Christian singer is candidly revealing that at the height of what appeared to be a dream life, she was secretly battling crushing depression-and had planned to take her own life.
"I should have been on a high," Petrucci recalled. "But instead, I was the lowest I'd ever been."
Looking back to 1997, Petrucci said she and her husband, Angelo, had just welcomed their first child, moved into a large home, earned industry awards, and were traveling the world performing. Yet behind the scenes, she says she felt overwhelmed by despair.
In one of the most emotional revelations of her career, Petrucci shared that after Angelo took their infant son out to give her some time alone, she intended to end her life.
She said she was tormented by condemning thoughts telling her she was "not a good wife," "not a good mother," and "not a good Christian," leaving her convinced the world would be better off without her.
Everything changed when her husband unexpectedly returned home with their son before she could act on those thoughts.
That life-altering moment became the inspiration for "Made It Out Alive," the title track of the album she eventually released in 2013-and now again in a newly remastered Deluxe Edition.
"I'm so thankful for another opportunity to live," Petrucci wrote. "Today, because of God, I'm okay with me."
The Deluxe Edition adds four songs that were originally intended for the first release and features an impressive lineup of gospel artists, including Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, Mississippi Mass Choir, Shirley Murdock, Canton Jones, Will Champlin, and Angelo Petrucci.
Petrucci says the songs tell the story of what God taught her after surviving that dark season-offering hope to others who may be struggling with feelings of worthlessness, fear, hopelessness, and insecurity.
She has also chronicled her testimony in her book, How I Made It Out Alive, which she says is available as a free eBook through her ministry.
The album's message is ultimately one of survival and redemption. As Petrucci reminds listeners, "You too, can make it out alive."
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, reaching out to a trusted person or a local crisis service can make a real difference. Help is available, and you do not have to face it alone.
To listen/download the new album, click here.
