Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health 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 scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams 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 check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.