Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement 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 mission companion in the days following the flight.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
