UPDATE: Amanda Nguyen, the first Vietnamese woman to travel into space with Blue Origin, opens up about the unexpected emotional turmoil following her historic flight. Just weeks after the mission, Nguyen revealed on Instagram the profound depression she faced upon returning to Earth, describing her experience as “another dream turned into a nightmare.”
Nguyen’s candid post, shared earlier today, dives into the overwhelming backlash she encountered, stating that it felt like “an avalanche of misogyny.” The social entrepreneur emphasized the toll this negativity took on her mental health, explaining, “It amounted to billions of hostile impressions — an onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure.”
In a heartbreaking admission, Nguyen recounted how she was unable to leave her bed for a week, struggling with her emotions. Even a month later, she noted, “I still could not speak through my tears.” Her vulnerability resonates as she shares the weight of public scrutiny that overshadowed her momentous achievement.
Despite the darkness, Nguyen expressed hope in her journey to recovery. She included a handwritten journal entry dated December 27, 2023, stating, “I’m happy to report the depression has lifted.” Reflecting on the past eight months, she shared, “I’m glad that the fog of grief has started to lift,” thanking her supporters for their unwavering encouragement.
Nguyen also addressed her past trauma, emphasizing, “We never fully leave behind our past selves; all parts of us are valuable.” As she concluded her message with a sense of renewed strength, she reassured her friend Gayle that her healing would not take as long as initially feared, signaling a turning point in her emotional journey.
This poignant revelation highlights the often-overlooked psychological impacts of fame and public expectation, especially for women in high-profile roles. Nguyen’s story continues to garner attention, as she navigates her path towards healing while advocating for mental health awareness.
As the world reflects on her groundbreaking achievement, the focus now shifts to Nguyen’s ongoing recovery and the crucial conversations surrounding mental health in the wake of public scrutiny. Stay tuned for updates on her journey and future endeavors.
