Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“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 days following the landing.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.
The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
