Embracing a New Journey: The Launch of PTSD Ronin

Hello, everyone.

I’m excited to share some big news with you today. After a month of planning, reflecting, and creating, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of a new project that’s very close to my heart: PTSD Ronin.

PTSD Ronin is more than just a new website—it’s an extension of the journey I’ve been on and a reflection of the many stories shared. It’s a space I’m building from my experiences, one step at a time, with the hope of offering a place where we can explore, understand, and heal from trauma in a deeply personal and inclusive way.

Why PTSD Ronin?

For those who may not know, my journey has been shaped by a multitude of experiences—from surviving the Boxing Day tsunami to battling stage three colon cancer during the COVID pandemic, far from home. Throughout these experiences, I’ve faced numerous challenges—physical, emotional, and institutional. I’ve navigated different healthcare systems and encountered biases and misunderstandings that only added to my struggles. But through all of this, I’ve learned the incredible power of resilience, empathy, and community.

PTSD Ronin is my way of sharing these lessons and creating a space where others can find the understanding and support that I believe is so essential for healing. It’s about recognizing that each of us has a unique path, and that healing from trauma is a journey—not a destination. I’m hoping to build a community where we can share our stories, support one another, and learn together.

What to Expect from PTSD Ronin

At PTSD Ronin, you’ll find content that reflects the diversity of experiences within our community. I plan to include a mix of blog posts, personal stories, videos, podcasts, and interactive content. However, these features will take time to develop. Right now, the site is in its early stages, but my vision is to create a multimedia hub that is accessible to everyone, no matter where they are on their journey.

One of the unique aspects of PTSD Ronin is its focus on a multicultural perspective. I’ve been fortunate enough to live in Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the UK, and these experiences have profoundly shaped my understanding of trauma and healing. Growing up, my family traveled across the world, giving me a deep appreciation for different cultures and their approaches to mental health. After high school, I continued to explore, backpacking through various countries during my university years. These diverse experiences have given me a unique insight into the various ways that trauma can be experienced and healed. I hope to explore these cultural differences on PTSD Ronin and provide a broader understanding that goes beyond a single perspective.

The Challenges of Launching During Personal Struggles

Launching PTSD Ronin hasn’t been an easy task. As many of you know, I’m still navigating the after-effects of my cancer treatment, dealing with ongoing health issues, and managing the daily demands of life. Just today, I found myself back in the hospital, managing complications that have become a routine part of my life post-cancer. These challenges are real and ongoing, and they remind me of the importance of having spaces where we can be open about our struggles and find strength in shared experiences.

This launch is a soft start, a first step on a longer journey. Today, I filmed an introduction video at the hospital—a raw and honest glimpse into the realities of living with trauma and ongoing health challenges. It’s not perfect, but it’s authentic, and that’s what I want to share with you. This is just the beginning, and there’s much more to come.

Join Me on This New Journey

I invite you to join me on this new journey with PTSD Ronin. Whether you are a survivor, a carer, a professional, or someone looking to understand more about PTSD, there is a place for you here. I hope together we can create a community built on understanding, empathy, and a commitment to healing.

Please visit PTSD Ronin to explore the new site, watch the introduction video, and become part of this growing community. Your support means everything to me, and I’m so grateful for each of you who has been part of the PTSDJedi journey. I look forward to continuing this journey together in this new space.

Thank you for being here. I hope we can build PTSD Ronin together—a place where every story is heard, every experience is valued, and healing is a shared journey.

With gratitude,
Sam Nilaweera

‍