Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She described 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

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

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured leaders in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.