Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
