Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
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 mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.