Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake 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 the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.
The group of women also included leaders in different industries.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
