Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.