Astronaut Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – 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 environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams 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 check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
