Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge 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 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 the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also included leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
