Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment 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 supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
She characterized 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.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
