Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake 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 April, which also featured well-known figures.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, 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 barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
