‘A brilliant and compelling guide’ WOMAN AND HOME
‘An honest, wise and surprisingly witty piece of work’ WATERSTONES
‘The book every woman MUST read’ DAILY MAIL
‘A poignant and inspirational account’ THE BOOK PEOPLE
A week after my 50th birthday and just as our family was about to move home, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo a double mastectomy. It changed the way I looked at life and forced me to reassess everything. It was a hard-fought road to recovery, so I sought out others who had rebuilt their shattered worlds after very different personal traumas, to see how they’d done it and why they felt stronger than before.
Their lessons are in this book, along with my personal diaries and I hope you’ll find them honest, uplifting and helpful. They’re woven together with the latest science on resilience and my research on how to make psychology, sleep, diet and activity work for all of us, to get us through the toughest of times.
The power of resilience and growth exists within everyone – we just need a helping hand to find it. This book says it’s possible not just to survive difficulties, but to thrive. To rise.
When Rise is published in June, I’ll be giving talks to the public and the media about my experiences and what I have learned. I’ll be updating my website with the latest news about the book, and giving details about where and when you can come to hear me speak. I’ll also be adding blogs and resources about overcoming trauma.
I hope you find something in Rise that helps you, or someone you love. And please let me know your reflections and thoughts – you can comment below. If you want to tweet please use the hashtag #RiseBook so I can keep track. I’d really love to hear from you and learn from you, too. We are all doing this together.
What are readers saying about Rise?
‘Highly recommended to anyone, but those among us who are in the midst of trauma will find they have a friend in Sian Williams and her excellent book’ AMAZON READER
‘My book arrived Sian Williams Rise, about surviving trauma. Can’t put it down, different cancer, same story. It’s a must read’ @raffcirillo
‘Absorbing book. I can’t put it down. Her psychology background makes it even more informative’ AMAZON READER
‘Bought your book and can’t put it down. Well written and so very honest. Thank you, it’s helping’ @claudia_tanuggi
31 Comments
Annabel Anscomb
June 3, 2018 at 3:09 pmHonestly one of best, most meaningful books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Watching Sian on BBC Breakfast as a youngster and her being my favourite newsreader to now reading this gives so much more insight into what goes on not only in her life, but in the world of the media. I had never considered how newsreaders would be affected when going into traumatic situations, but this book allowed me to really comprehend the effects of exposure to trauma. It has taught me so much about how the brain works, what we need to fuel ourselves with and how every individual deals with trauma. Reading Sian’s story opened my eyes to a new way of looking a disease, trauma and life and I really hope that more people will read this book as it is honestly one of my favourites. Thank you so much for sharing your help, knowledge, experience and story.
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June 24, 2016 at 7:40 pmWe would like to thank you once more for the stunning ideas
you offered Jeremy when preparing her own post-graduate research in addition to,
most importantly, with regard to providing all the ideas in a blog post.
Provided we had known of your site a year ago, we may have
been kept from the needless measures we were taking. Thanks to you.
Sian Williams
July 7, 2016 at 5:36 amThanks to you too
Geraldine Crawford
June 14, 2016 at 9:28 amJust finished your book. Moving, well written with a bedrock of evidence based research . I got more from it than I expected. Saw you at Hay and bought it. My husband has incurable Stage 4 terminal Prostate cancer. “Sailed through” chemo but it’s now the hormone therapy that is making his life so hard. We know on one level what is ahead ( both our previous partners died from cancer). You refer so sensitively a few times in the book to those who have been given an “incurable” diagnosis. I wonder if there is different category of resilience required living with this knowledge. I also think there is a book that needs writing about being the partner of someone with this diagnosis. Different journeys. Everything in your book is helpful and thank you for writing it.
Sian Williams
July 7, 2016 at 5:38 amI’m so sorry to hear about your husband and I’m sure you are being a brilliant ‘outstretched hand’. I think there is a book on helping those with terminal cancer – maybe you could begin to start writing, if it helps?
Christopher Phipps
June 2, 2016 at 9:46 pmDear Sian I was knockt side ways when I heard you on the Mathew Wright show the other morning. when you said about your book, I thought that it was your autobiography then you said that you had had cancer. To a degrey t no how you fell after batterling aggressive cancer my self.
I hope that people no that you have been to a place that some of us have been to they will hopeforly stop been so narrow mindid when they find out that poeple have had cancer.
I am looking forward to reading your book, would there be any chance you would be coming to Banbury on your tour? Take care &all the best Yours Sincerly Chris Phipps.
Sian Williams
July 7, 2016 at 5:39 amHope you are feeling better now. Not coming to Banbury yet – but lots of other festivals in the autumn like Cheltenham etc – keep an eye on the website!
Maureen Cliffen
June 1, 2016 at 1:51 pmSian , you were standing beside me at reception at the Jools Holland New Year show filming and I think from what I have read, that was about the time of your diagnosis.
The evening had been my bench mark after a DIEP flap Breast reconstruction, to be the night I took off my PJs and get back out there.
I’m now part of a Breast cancer dragon boat team, Pink Champagne, and I think you will see sales of your book soar down here in Christchurch, Dorset, along with everywhere else.
Thank you for sharing, it means a lot to us Breast cancer girls and boys and our families.
X
Sian Williams
July 7, 2016 at 5:40 amOh my goodness! I shall keep an eye out for you girls and I’m coming to Dorset next week, so shall think of you too. Many thanks and good luck
Frederico Oliveira
May 31, 2016 at 6:05 pmI certanely relate to you Sian as I’m a cancer suviver myself. I was only 23 year old when I was diagnosed with lymphoma which almost took my life but I was determined to fight and definitely not ready to go quite yet.
After a long battle of treatments and very risky surgery to remove my spleen with only 5% to survive somehow I made it. I had no family support as they live in South America however thank to the must wonderful NHS team at the Chelsea and Westmisnter Hospitail and my wonderful friends at the time who would take turns to not leave me on my own at the ward. When you mention about your low self-stem after being trough all and not feeling yourself again probably that’s the hardest part of it al, especially being a public person. I was a model at the time and for me it was crucial to deal with a 15 inches scar across my tummy which took 4 months to heal after being infected 3 times because my body could not absolve one of the stitches. Today I’m 32 and I’ve been clear since then but I do live with uncertainty and fears of one day it may come again but knows I try not to think to much about it and try to live a normal life with the scar which gave me a second chance. I take my hat for you for overcoming this tough battle and I wish you good heath and best of luck with your book. I’m waiting for mine to be deliver and looking forward to read it.
Sian Williams
July 7, 2016 at 5:41 amThank you for sharing that – what a time you’ve been through? The scars are reminders of how we lived through something that we survived and thrived from. I have lots, just like you, I suspect. Let’s embrace them – and ourselves…
Lisa M De'Ath
May 31, 2016 at 9:11 amHi Sian I have just seen you on GMTV. I can relate to what you have been through. I lost my son to bowel cancer in 2014. My beautiful boy was 31 years of age and in his prime. He fought like a lion Sian as did we all along side him. I am still tortured by the memories every day we lived for 11 months. I am going to buy your book as soon as its released and I do write also on scraps of paper and very randomly. I would like to come to your shows. I live in Essex. Could you let me know where you are appearing. And by the way you look amazing. I look like a wrung out rag. Kind Regards Lisa De’Ath
Sian Williams
July 7, 2016 at 5:43 amOh – I’m so sorry about your son. I’m sure you think of him every day and stood by him while he fought. I’ll put details of my upcoming shows on my website very soon and all the very best. I look like a rag too it’s just I have an hour in hair and make up for the tv…it’s smoke and mirrors…
Alison
May 30, 2016 at 7:34 pmI watched you tonight although you were usual professional self but a hint of emotion we sometimes get.
Being a survivor changes you but all good as they say 😉 and we’ll done you.
I too am survivor and I am pleased you are sharing the light in positive way xxx I shall hopeful get your book I hope you are coming to Oxford xxx
Sian Williams
July 7, 2016 at 5:44 amYou’re the second Oxford person to ask! I’m trying to get a date in v v soon…keep an eye out and thank you
Jane
May 30, 2016 at 7:23 pmThis sounds wonderful. A dear friend is recovering from a major stroke at 50 and I’ll certainly purchase this for him. Look forward to the BBC4 programme tomorrow.
Sian Williams
July 7, 2016 at 5:44 amHope you enjoyed the R4 show and your friend is liking the book – good luck to him and you!
Mel Bradford
May 30, 2016 at 10:28 amHi Sian , i am oh so pleased that you are now getting to grips with this dreaded problem , i lost my son to it some seven years ago and it tears you apart , you are looking so well , good luck with your book , M
Sian Williams
July 7, 2016 at 5:46 amHi M – thank you. Grief is horrible, isn’t it? There’s a chapter in Rise about it with a quote ‘I never knew that grief felt so like fear’ – you know exactly how that is, I’m sure. Hope you find the book valuable
Matthew pickles
May 26, 2016 at 9:36 amHi Sian i live in Australia can i buy the book from amazon. I really am looking forward to reading the book as myself have been through trauma and many life changing experiences always stay positive and have faith everything works out in the end mxx
Sian
May 27, 2016 at 4:03 pmThanks Matthew. The book is available in Australia – here are a couple of places you can get it online: Angus Robertson and Booktopia. Do let me know what you think of it.
Frank Butler
May 25, 2016 at 7:03 pmAll the very best with your new book. I look forward to reading it! I’ve gone through “Issues” in my life nowhere near as traumatic as say, soldiers on the front line. However, when they hit you, the world suddenly becomes a large, lonely place! I’m getting there. Am inspired by people like yourself, Ruby Wax, Marcus Trescothick and more recently Michael Yardy! I’m finding I don’t get defensive about my illness and happy to be open about it! Keep up the great work!
Sian Williams
July 7, 2016 at 5:46 amHi Frank – let me know your thoughts when you’ve read it!
Gerard
May 25, 2016 at 5:17 pmLooking forward to reading this Sian , after surviving a stroke in my early 50’s it’s changed my outlook on things and despite differing traumas, it’s always interesting to hear how people cope.
Sian Williams
July 7, 2016 at 5:47 amWe all cope differently – but it’s good to hear others coping strategies
Ruth
May 25, 2016 at 2:24 pmI do hope you will be coming to Brighton/hove to talk and not just the capital. We have issues outside the cities too
Sian
May 25, 2016 at 2:35 pmHi Ruth. Absolutely – so far I’m confirmed to speak at the Hay Festival in Wales. I’ll be adding more events to my site soon: https://drsianwilliams.com/see-sian-talk-about-rise/
jocelyn Curtis
May 25, 2016 at 2:01 pmGood luck with your book Sian. I have admired your work, watching you every morning on Breakfast before I went off to work as a teacher of 34 years experience. I was really interested when I heard about the research you were doing into trauma. Two years ago I had to retire after having a ‘nervous breakdown ‘ due to work pressures. I am much happier now and fully recovered but it’s given me an insight into how the brain works /or doesn’t! It’s a fascinating subject and the pressure on people these days is so intolerable that it sounds like a book that is very much needed. I will be reading with interest!
Sian Williams
July 7, 2016 at 5:47 amHow is it going? what do you think? is the book helping? I do hope so…
Peter
May 25, 2016 at 6:47 amSian. Have you got any venue’s planned for the talks? Good luck with it.
Sian
May 25, 2016 at 2:33 pmHi Peter
Thank you. I have a few and more to come – details here: https://drsianwilliams.com/see-sian-talk-about-rise/
Best
Sian