Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
