Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.