Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She portrayed 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.
She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
