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Express Tribune
07-02-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Love-Sick and Beyond: Understanding Bipolar Disorder Through the Onija Andrew Robbins and Kanye West
Bipolar disorder, one of the most diagnosed mental health conditions after anxiety and clinical depression, affects about 2.8% of the global population. Characterized by extreme mood swings, the disorder can significantly impact an individual's daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a mental health condition marked by alternating episodes of mania (or hypomania) and depression. These episodes can last for days, weeks, or even months, and their intensity varies from person to person. During manic episodes, individuals experience emotional highs, characterized by euphoria, increased energy, and impulsive behaviors, while depressive episodes bring feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities. The disorder is more than just moodiness; it's a serious mental illness that can disrupt relationships, careers, and overall quality of life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), bipolar disorder affects approximately 45 million people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, it remains widely misunderstood, often stigmatized, and sometimes misdiagnosed. Types of Bipolar Disorder Bipolar I Disorder: This type is defined by at least one manic episode, which may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or depressive episodes. Mania can be severe enough to require hospitalization. Bipolar II Disorder: Characterized by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not full-blown mania. Cyclothymic Disorder: A milder form involving periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years. Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar Disorders: Symptoms that do not fit the above categories but still cause significant distress. Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Manic Episodes: Elevated mood Increased energy Reduced need for sleep Impulsivity Risky behavior Depressive Episodes: Persistent sadness Loss of interest in activities Fatigue Feelings of worthlessness Suicidal thoughts Real-Life Stories: Onija Andrew Robbins and Kanye West Onija Andrew Robbins 'Call my husband Nidal,' Robbins kept saying throughout Wednesday night as she sat in the parking lot of Ali Arcade. (Image via Express) Onija Andrew Robbins, a 35-year-old American woman, found herself at the center of an emotional whirlwind that ultimately led to her diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Robbins, a mother of two, traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, driven by her intense feelings for a 19-year-old Pakistani man, Nidal Ahmed Memon. She claims to have married him online via the International Utah website. Despite her visa expiring, Robbins refuses to return home without Nidal, who has been in hiding due to the media spotlight surrounding their relationship. Robbins is currently receiving treatment for bipolar disorder at the Special Ward of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in Karachi. The medical staff at JPMC has been continuously evaluating her condition, a challenge Robbins has faced both in the United States and abroad. Her symptoms, including periods of heightened energy and emotional instability, led her to seek help, eventually resulting in her bipolar disorder diagnosis. According to Robbins, her love-sick emotions went beyond the ups and downs of a typical romantic relationship. "Her symptoms, which included periods of heightened energy and deep despair, prompted her to seek medical help," as reported by The Express Tribune. For Robbins, the diagnosis was both a revelation and a challenge. It explained her erratic behavior and emotional instability. Kanye West's Journey: A Public Struggle with Bipolar Disorder Getty Images Kanye West, now known as Ye , has been open about his struggles with bipolar disorder, which he was diagnosed with in 2018. In the past, Ye referred to his bipolar disorder as his 'superpower,' though recently, he has questioned the accuracy of this diagnosis. During a podcast with Justin Laboy, Ye revealed that he now believes he may actually be autistic. "I was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder,' Ye explained during the podcast. He further clarified that his wife encouraged him to see a doctor who had also worked with Justin Bieber, leading him to reconsider his diagnosis. Over the years, Ye's public struggles with mental health have garnered widespread media attention, from his social media outbursts to controversial statements. Despite the ongoing concerns over his mental well-being, Ye has continued to speak publicly about the challenges of living with a condition that has shaped much of his career and personal life. Living with Bipolar Disorder Living with bipolar disorder requires a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing symptoms and improving the quality of life. However, stigma and misinformation often prevent individuals from seeking help. Robbins' story is a testament to the importance of seeking help and the power of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. As Robbins has shown, bipolar disorder does not discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of their background or personal experiences. However, societal stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help, as many fear being labeled as "unstable" or "unpredictable." This can lead to isolation and untreated symptoms. Experts emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. With the right combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, individuals with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling lives.
Express Tribune
05-02-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
'Love-sick' US woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder
KARACHI: Onija Andrew Robbins, a 35-year-old American woman who travelled to the metropolis driven by her love for a 19-year-old Pakistani man, has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder apart from other health issues. Robbins - who refuses to return to the United States without Nidal Ahmed Memon, a resident of Garden West, who she claims to have married online via International Utah website - is currently admitted to the Special Ward of JPMC. She is undergoing continuous medical evaluations and tests by a team of doctors. Robbins, mother of two, has been given an extension after her three months visit visa expired, while Nidal and his family have been hiding since the American woman caught the media's attention in Karachi. According to JPMC's medical staff, Robbins has been receiving treatment for bipolar disorder, a condition she is also managing in the United States. During her medical tests at JPMC, it was revealed that her hemoglobin levels were dangerously low, triggering the need for two blood transfusions. Moreover, liver issues were identified, which are being closely monitored. Prof Chooni Lal, head of the Dept of Psychiatry at JPMC, told The Express Tribune that Robbins underwent a series of tests, confirming both psychological and physical health issues. She was initially admitted to the Psychiatric Ward, but was later transferred to the Special Ward under police custody due to overcrowding in the psychiatric facility.
Express Tribune
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Ditched and betrayed, love-sick US woman refuses to go back home
KARACHI: "Love is blind" is a phrase spoken by Jessica, a character in William Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice.' And since then it has been repeated countless of times in romantic affairs. This phrase perfectly sums up the unrequited love of 33-year-old married American woman Onija Andrew Robbins, who fell for a Pakistani teenager online, left her two children in the States, and flew into Karachi to marry her love - only to be ditched and betrayed by him. "Call my husband Nidal," Robbins kept saying throughout Wednesday night as she sat in a chair in the parking lot of Ali Arcade apartment building in the Osmanabad area of Karachi. Robbins arrived in Karachi three months ago to be with 19-year-old Nidal Ahmed Memon, a resident of Garden West, claiming that they had already tied the nuptial knot online. Robbins was offered food by the building management staff and police, but she wouldn't eat anything. "Robbins stared blankly as she sat in the chair appearing unwell with swollen feet and an inhaler in hand," local resident Rafiq Ahmed, who was at a teashop opposite the building, told The Express Tribune. "Call my husband, Nidal," Robbins would repeat after a while. Police tried to console her, assuring her that efforts were being made to find him. Robbins, who met Nidal while he was working at a call centre in Karachi, stated that their relationship blossomed through phone conversations. She had come to Karachi with the intention of "consummating their marriage" and settle with Nidal in Pakistan. Some residents of Ali Arcade claimed that the woman had been staying at Nidal's apartment for the past three months, but her presence was kept secret from the neighbours. As news flashed on TV screens, curious onlookers flocked to the building, causing distress to the residents. Police arrived at the scene, asking locals to maintain their distance. Despite repeated requests, Robbins refused to leave the premises, asking for money from the building management and police to leave the place. According to witnesses, Nidal had fled the apartment on his motorcycle earlier in the day, accidentally hitting another bike in his hurry. Soon after, his family also locked the flat and left, leaving Robbins alone and desperate. On the orders of the provincial police chief, senior police officer Faiza Soder arrived at the scene with a heavy police contingent. After an hour of negotiations, they decided that Robbins needed to be shifted to a safer location due to security concerns. Just as police were monitoring Robbins, she unexpectedly booked an online taxi and left for an undisclosed location. The police attempted to track her down, but she managed to leave the jurisdiction of the concerned police station. Before her sudden disappearance, Robbins released a video message, claiming that she had married Nidal online via a website called International Utah. She said that money was not a factor in their relationship. "I have money, and everyone here has money. My only wish is to meet Nidal," she said while expressing her desire to settle in Karachi. However, Robbins was later traced at a guesthouse in Nursery on Sharae Faisal. However, the administration refused to rent her a room. In the meantime, police arrived at the guesthouse, took the American woman into protective custody, and transferred her to a hotel in Saddar. A day earlier, authorities decided to send her to the US after her three-month visit visa expired. An Airport Security Force (ASF) contingent escorted her to the Karachi airport where she refused to undergo the necessary immigration procedures and later declined to board her flight in the international departure lounge. Due to security regulations, officials could not forcibly place her on the flight. Her refusal to leave caused a 36-minute delay for Qatar Airways Flight QR 611, but eventually, the aircraft departed without her. Later, a two-member team from the US Consulate arrived at the airport to discuss the situation. They said that Robbins could not be forced onto a flight against her will, as this could lead to legal complications. With Robbins now ditched, betrayed, and abandoned, and Nidal and his family in hiding, the fate of this love story remains uncertain. What began as a tale of intercontinental romance highlights the complexities of love, cultural differences, and unexpected consequences of online relationships. Meanwhile, the Chhipa Foundation has announced that the foundation's chief, Ramzan Chhipa, along with the US lady, will address a press conference at 10am, at the head office on Friday.
