Astronaut Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
