Sam Nilaweera is a London-born advocate, writer, and former high school teacher whose journey is deeply influenced by his multicultural, international upbringing. After earning a degree in Economics from Liverpool University, Sam moved to Kyoto, Japan, for two transformative years as part of the JET program. His life took a dramatic turn when he survived the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004 while on holiday in Thailand, an event that left him grappling with years of untreated trauma.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam faced another immense challenge: battling stage 3 cancer while living in Thailand. He spent one year in isolation due to severe complications, a time that tested his resilience and strength. These profound experiences of survival and adversity have uniquely equipped him to be a powerful voice in the mental health community. Diagnosed with PTSD after years of struggle, he found a path to recovery under the guidance of Dr. Jennifer Wild at Oxford University, highlighting the crucial role of professional support in overcoming trauma.
Today, Sam channels his journey into empowering others through his blog, PTSD Ronin, where he fosters a global community focused on PTSD, trauma recovery, and resilience. His work offers practical advice, resources, and support for those navigating their own paths to healing.
Whether sharing his story on social media, collaborating with professionals, or building innovative platforms, Sam is committed to breaking the silence around mental health and advocating for a world where every individual has access to the support and resources they need to thrive.
