Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.