Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured leaders in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
