Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.
The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
