Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She described the news reports and online discourse 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

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

The group of women also included experts in different industries.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.