Defying the Enemy Within

by Joe Williams

Former NRL player, world boxing title holder and proud Wiradjuri First Nations man Joe Williams was always plagued by negative dialogue in his head, and the pressures of elite sport took their toll. Joe eventually turned to drugs and alcohol to silence the dialogue, before attempting to take his own life in 2012. In the aftermath, determined to rebuild, Joe took up professional boxing and got clean.


Defying the Enemy Within is both Joe's story and the steps he took to get well. Williams tells of his struggles with mental illness, later diagnosed as Bipolar Disorder, and the constant dialogue in his head telling him he's worthless and should die. In addition to sharing his experiences, Joe shares his wellness plan – the ordinary steps that helped him achieve the extraordinary.

Genres: Nonfiction

MP3 CD

Published November 6, 2018

About the author

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Reviews

[Tim Edison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joey Williams was a brilliant footballer and is also a brilliant human being. He is a true leader for anyone who is looking for inspiration to live a better life and be a better person.

If you are searching for guidance and inspiration then this book is definitely for you - a book written with brave honesty and 100% heart.

"If you try hard enough, you can find gratefulness in almost every situation you encounter in your life."
- Joe Williams

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I like about this is the honesty. Joe writes from the heart, and from his experience - and while he might lack the eloquence or expansiveness of other authors, it's more real, personal and helpful to read a straightforward book like this.

I really like the way he split the book into his biography then suggestions for seeking treatment, managing mental illnesses and then building resilience.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

An honest account of how Williams struggled with his own demons and then with help from professionals, family and friends was able to turn his life around and be an advocate for people with mental health issues, whilst still dealing with his own demons.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks, Joe, for sharing such a raw and honest story of your life to date.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest and accessible memoir, Joe Williams shows that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. His experience tells readers that it's important to ask for help when they are struggling, and that it's okay not to be perfect all of the time. Williams's life has been a rocky ride at times, but he advocates the importance of surrounding yourself with good people and to speak up when things are tough. This book has a lovely conversational tone which engages the reader and creates empathy. Williams shows that real men can show emotion and he models how young men in particular can stand up and do the right thing. There is a real sense of William's humility and compassion throughout the book. I discovered Joe Williams earlier this year while watching "The Drum" on ABC, and fell a little bit in love with him! Having now read and researched his life and his work, and having watched several interviews with him (including on the "Cuppa with Kumi" mental health week specials), it has confirmed for me that he is a good role model and a real leader. I would recommend his book to my high school students as well.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first knew of Joey Williams as a mercurial halfback for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Then after a couple of seasons he just disappeared.
I next heard of him last year talking about his battle with mental illness, or as he terms it: "The Enemy Within" He acknowledges his enemy within in this book, and even his Twitter handle is @JoeWilliams_tew.

But even if you had never heard of him, and detest sports of all types, this is a book worth reading (an audio-book worth listening to). He tells of his ups and the inner demons that tore him down. He doesn't blame other people, he knows that the fight is within.

A very powerful book, and message.

[David McNair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading Joe Williams autobiography “Defying The Enemy Within - How I silenced the negative voices in my head to survive and thrive”.
This is a great read which provides some real practical strategies of how everyone can Survive and Thrive. This comes down to being true to who you are as a person and not letting anyone else define who you are.
Joe is now a mental health advocate and has impacted and continues to impact many people across Australia from all walks of life. He shares his own daily struggles and challenges and the practical strategies he has implemented in his own life so he can be the best version of himself he can be.

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indigenous rugby league player and boxer, Joe Williams honestly describes his battles with mental illness and addiction. He also outlines the practical strategies and mental attitudes that have helped him (and can help us) cope with negative self-talk and adversity. His views on the place and reconciliation of indigenous people in Australia are also thoughtful and helpful.

[Richard Fooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary look at sport culture and the desire to do well and fit in! Highly recommend! !

[Alison Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hardship and truth shine through in this memoir from footballer/boxer Joe Williams. The book is broken up into two parts: Joe’s story and a self-help guide for anyone struggling with mental illness. I loved hearing about his life, his family, and it was so honest the way he talked about his difficulties with addiction and mental health. He’s definitely someone to look up to, especially for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, and he travels around Australia talking to many young people about reducing stigma of mental health. I loved hearing about his journey learning about his culture.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how accessible this book was - Joe wrote honestly and in a conversational voice about his mental health challenges and connection to culture. His willingness to talk openly to his children about his bipolar - effectively offering them psychoeducation and an understanding that they were not to blame for any of it - was remarkable.

[Bec]

While an inspiring read it was disappointing to see another book around mental health state if it was physical health people wouldn't blame you etc without ever having walked in the shoes of someone with a non mental health related chronic illness, we are regularly blamed, sidelined and discriminated against and all forms of health based bias, judging amd discrimination needs to end.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in 2020 and occasionally still browse through it. I deeply enjoyed his raw, courageous account of mental health struggles, resilience, and healing. It's a powerful and honest reminder that strength often comes from vulnerability and speaking our truth. I would recommend.

[Nic Dobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly inspiring, as Joe is in person. A remarkable book.