Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also included leaders in different industries.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
