Space Traveler Shares Depression Following Deluge of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental 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 told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
