Remembering Gia Allemand on the 10 Year Anniversary of Her Suicide

PENELOPE: a podcast show

When I say that my friend and client Gia Allemand’s tragedy changed the course of my life—it actually did, in every way. I had suffered from depression when I was Gia’s age. I had contemplated suicide on more than one occasion. But back then, I never told anyone. Years passed and time distanced me from those struggles. I had not even told my husband until after Gia’s suicide. In this podcast, I reflect on my relationship with Gia, her struggles and sweet personality, and my own early challenges. I share a book excerpt as I recall the night of one suicide attempt, and how after deciding not to do it, I made a promise to help others who suffered. Yet, I went on with my life and worked hard on becoming happy and purposeful and I only circled back to make good on that pledge after Gia’s death. It was Gia’s death that gave me the strength to speak up and share my own past and struggles. I began writing and set aside my successful career as a publicist to write my first book titled The Magic of Viral Energy.