Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became 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,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized 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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

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

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

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