Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.
The mission was met with derision 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 torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
