Veronica Petrucci is opening up about the painful testimony behind Made It Out Alive and the faith that transformed her darkest season into a message of hope. Encouraged by her husband, Angelo, the acclaimed Christian singer found the courage to speak publicly about her struggles with fear, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts-and how declaring Scripture aloud became a vital part of her healing.
Now, with full ownership of the project, Petrucci has released Made It Out Alive: Deluxe Edition, featuring four additional songs and a long-awaited duet with Angelo. In this deeply personal interview, she discusses the pressures of the Christian music industry, the listeners who abandoned plans to end their lives after hearing her testimony, and why she remains convinced that Jesus can heal the brokenhearted.
Q: The title Made It Out Alive carries incredible weight. Looking back now, what gave you the courage to finally share such a deeply personal chapter of your life through your music?
Angelo gave me the courage to share my testimony. It took a while for me to even verbalize what I was going through. I had such fear of speaking in public. I was incredibly shy. I remember when Angelo initially came to me about doing a solo album. I was terrified. But he encouraged me to sing on my own and to share what God was doing in my life. Also, I came to realize that so many were going through the same thing with issues of anxiety and depression. I came to the realization that I had to help others.
Q: You have spoken about feeling like you had everything people dream of, yet privately you were struggling. What would you want Christians to understand about the reality of depression and emotional pain?
I would want Christians to know that achievements don't heal you, only God can. What I thought might fix me, only added to more fear, depression and anxiety. The music industry added to my mental anguish and pain. The industry is such a fear filled, man-pleasing and performance driven atmosphere. It chips away at your person. It was taking away something precious to me, my faith. Now that we do music independently, I have a new founded faith and confidence in who I am in Christ.
I'm thankful now we did not achieve a higher echelon in the music industry. Because the higher you go, the more you must compromise. And that does not help you feel good about yourself. What good is it to compromise the beliefs we hold dear in order to gain notoriety in which we're identified by what we believe? What good is it to be known as a Christian artist, but not to actually be a Christian?
Q: You describe your husband unexpectedly returning home as a life-changing moment. How did that experience reshape your relationship with God and your understanding of His purpose for your life?
Everything changed after that day. When you've hit rock bottom, the only way is up! When my husband with our baby son came home that day, it was like the very presence of God stepped in. And I wasn't able to do what I had planned in unaliving myself. It made me determined to not to live that way anymore. But I didn't know how to live any other way. I had lived that way ever since I could remember.
After that, I cried out fervently to the Lord and He answered. I remember sitting in church, still fragile from this experience. The preacher said, "when you read the bible, read it aloud". I thought, could that be the answer? That was the beginning of my healing. I went home and I found a promise book full of scriptures. I looked up my condition of fear, anxiety, depression, etc. And everyday starting speaking the word of God that spoke to my condition. The word became my medicine.
I began to see a glimmer of light at the end of tunnel. Slowly but surely, the heaviness starting lifting from my life. I began seeing God, and myself and the world around me differently. And since that time, that light has grown brighter and brighter. I can definitely say that today I am happy. And I never dreamed that was possible.
Q: This Deluxe Edition includes four additional songs that were originally intended for the first release. Why did you feel now was the right time to share them, and how do they deepen the album's message?
We removed two songs from the original 2013 release. This made room for the 4 additional songs that were originally supposed to be on it. At the time of the original release, we did not own the master but now we have full ownership. After signing, we realized we made a mistake but God redeemed it. So having another opportunity at releasing this album is especially meaningful for us. All the songs on this Deluxe Edition are from my heart and experiences. And I am so very happy that I have a duet with Angelo! I really felt that was missing from the 2013 release.
Q: Over the years, Made It Out Alive has encouraged countless people facing depression, fear, and hopelessness. Are there any stories from listeners that have especially touched your heart and reminded you why you shared your testimony?
Yes, while promoting "No Fear" single, I did an interview in NYC at Sirius XM Praise radio. Months later, I received two emails from two different women who were planning to unalive themselves but heard my testimony and did not! That was amazing and encouraging! It makes my journey all worth it.
Q: As you celebrate the release of the Deluxe Edition, what do you hope listeners will ultimately take away from Made It Out Alive, and what message would you share with someone who feels they may never make it through their own darkest season?
I would share with them that Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted. And that God has such a special place for them in His heart. He especially wants to rescue the downtrodden and afflicted. And those who have a heavy heart! They are the best candidates for the Christian faith. Because they feel so deeply for others! Because of their empathy, God can use them mightily.
I would tell them that overcoming fear and suicidal depression is possible through Christ! I thought I'd live in that prison the rest of my life. But God made me free through His truth! I renew my mind in God's Word everyday, this is what keeps me in faith and gives me hope. Emotions will pass but the word of God will never pass away. I can truly say that God delivered me from the spirit of heaviness and He can do it for you, too!
They can also get my eBook (it's free), How I Made It Out Alive on our site. They can also feel free to reach out to me through our site.
Made it Out Alive Deluxe Edition at digital:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/veronicapetrucci/made-it-out-alive-deluxe-edition
