Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, 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 social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
