Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.