Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” 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 short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space.
The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
