Amanda Nguyen, 34, an award-winning scientist and civil rights activist, has bravely shared her experience with depression. She was deeply harassed online in the aftermath of her historic step-off onto Blue Origin’s last sub-orbital spaceflight. Nguyen, a long-time advocate for the rights of sexual assault survivors, became the first Vietnamese woman in space. Her 11-minute flight included other high-flying celebrities, including pop star Katy Perry and journalist Lauren Sánchez, wife of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos.
Nguyen’s historic journey to space came with personal sacrifices. After suffering rape while in college, she postponed her lifelong hope to be an astronaut. In not doing so, she focused herself on a years-long journey that would bring justice. Her commitment to fighting for survivors of sexual assault made her a household name as well as respected among her peers. She encountered plenty of obstacles on her journey.
Nguyen takes part in first all-female trip to space since 1963 in August. Upon her return, she experienced what she called a “tsunami of harassment.” The backlash to her revelation took a massive toll on her mental health, driving her to a place of deep depression.
I did not leave Texas for a week, bedridden. A month later, a senior staffer at Blue Origin reached out to me. I had to get off the phone because I was sobbing, which marked how acute my pain was, Nguyen detailed.
The subsequent harassment she faced made her dreams wither “under the weight of a misogynist avalanche.” Even with the difficulty, Nguyen has started to experience a measure of healing. Eight months after the flight, she recently shared that the “fog of grief has begun to dissipate.”
During her time aboard the Blue Origin flight, Nguyen conducted numerous experiments focused on women’s health, further showcasing her dedication to science. Her contributions to the field have been instrumental in changing the conversations around women affected by violence all over the world.
Nguyen thanked her supporters who have messaged her with warm thoughts and kind wishes through her darkest hours. Through both of those experiences, she reminded us how crucial community and encouragement can be even when we have to endure the struggle.
“The onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure.” – Amanda Nguyen