Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake 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 short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“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 days following the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.