“I was a singer-songwriter since 1978 and I’ve always been funny off-stage using comedy and implementing it in routines. It morphed into an approach that we can choose to be optimistic and we can make good choices in our lives.”
Farha experienced shades of depression since 1980.
“I was emotionally unstable. It was hard to pin that on depression because when you’re artistic you get a rep for being emotionally all over the place.”
Her depression escalated to repeated suicidal thoughts.
“I wanted to take my life. I wanted to end the pain.”
However, her intention to end her life didn’t go as planned.
“I wrote a suicide note, went down to the rapids to jump in, but it was January or February and I don’t like cold water,” said Farha. She added, “The second time I put a bag over my head, but I didn’t like the fact that I couldn’t breathe.”
Her doctor prescribed Paxil, and told her she would feel better after three weeks.
“Three weeks later I woke up and said oh my, this feels amazing. I felt like a fresh me.”
She began performing more, and tweaked her style through humour and optimism. Soon after, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She said it was a combination of the medication and her newfound approach to healing that kept her spirits up.
“I used to tell people it’s not a bilateral mastectomy, it’s a corporate downsizing.”
She realizes she might not have 30 years to live if her cancer returns. So, her goal is to live life to the fullest by touring, and bringing hope to people. She currently gives seminars on depression.
Isabelle Miron, Program Manager at the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre in Gloucester says speaking publicly about difficult issues is always a good thing.
“Bringing awareness and speaking publicly about hard issues is good, but watching a show cannot heal you. It works for her, but she can’t save anyone, just help them understand what they’re going through.”
She attributes her healing and courage to her strong faith. “God’s taking care of me. I refuse to live in fear.”
Hear her story of despair turned hope in Ladies' Night Out: Finding Hope Through Adversity.
It will be a night of music, comedy and desserts. The cost is $15 Saturday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Calvary Church located at 3782 Russell Rd. For more information call 613-835-2293.
