Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
