Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.
The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
