Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.