TW: Suicidal Ideation On utilizing mental health resources that could disqualify of my dreams of becoming an astronaut. I focused on this clip here because this is me discussing how I started antidepressants after avoiding them for years for the sake of my career.

And how I ended up in a mental health facility which also poses a risk to my dreams since mental health is still very much stigmatized in flight careers and the aerospace industry in general.

This is not me encouraging or discouraging medication. It’s just an example of how I decided to prioritize my quality of life over my lofty goals of being an space explorer. Doing so played a huge part in sending me into a really deep depressive episode.

I felt that I was put on Earth to fulfill my dreams so if I couldn’t, what was the point? If I couldn’t get my PhD bc of quals what was the point? That question sent me into a really dark place. So it was necessary for me to accept that my path may not look how I expected it to.

We r losing 2 many to suicide. & you never know what it is that created that hopelessness in a person. what I do know is many of us are trying to navigate systems that r not built for us. & we blame ourselves for not succeeding in the traditional ways that these systems encourage

So here’s my gentle reminder to give yourself some grace. And take heart in the fact that your journey is yours and it is perfect for you. WHATEVER it may look like.

And I should say, so much played a part in me getting to this point. Life was lifing in all areas of life. But I was too afraid to get the help that I needed because of these goals. And the only reason that I am here is because I got that help.

Sending you love, Naia! You are so incredibly strong for doing what you need to do to take care of yourself ❤️ and hey, the world is changing every single day and opportunities in space exploration are also changing… don’t give up 🚀🚀🚀

Thank you so much Abby 💜💜💜 very true!!

So glad you are here and doing what you can to be ok ❤️

Thank you love 💜

Proud of you for your courage 💛 🚀

Thank you so much 💜💜 means the world

You got this, Naia. ❤🚀

🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾

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Naia, this shows such wisdom. My heart is holding space for you. I know you have other people, but you've got my number and I'm one more ear if you need one.

Thank you so much, Dr. Flint that means a lot. You have been such an avid supporter of me since we met 💜 appreciate you so much

Pretty sure we can say for sure that no former astronaut got a PhD in a pandemic, and while Black! So glad you’ve turned a corner. So amazed and happy you are sharing your unique journey! None of us knows where we are going, but we have to reach high to go high!

Amen thank you for this perspective 💜💜💜

🚀 ❤️ 🌍 🌟 💕

DM’ed you

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"this is my journey and i'm going to walk through it as i need to" -> YES. powerful & real. thank you for sharing your experience and know that you are most definitely not alone 💜

Thank you so much 💜💜

Well, I think you are brilliant. Reminds me of this song by Francesca Battistelli about letting go and trusting.

Sending you love Naia Also chose quality of life over the degree in the last one year.

Who says taking medication will disqualify you from being an astronaut? Maybe some meds will, like some I take, but my age (76) no doubt will too. But I bet there are astronauts who take meds.

I’ve been discouraged for them for years. But outside of the meds, I have an involuntary psych stay on my record now. So in general im a bit deterred but will be OK nevertheless because I’m here