Only 10 years separate these two photographs of Pamela Cisneros, a decade during which her family says her mental health deteriorated profoundly.
Long before the Times Square attack, Cisneros had studied psychology, started a family, and had three children. According to her relatives, her problems began after she experienced postpartum depression and worsened over the years.
Her family has reported that she was subsequently diagnosed with bipolar disorder and needed psychiatric treatment and medication. Her father even regularly accompanied her to the hospital to receive treatment.
Although the physical change between the two photographs is evident, it is not possible to say that her appearance was a direct consequence of depression or a diagnosis. What her story does show is that, during those years, her family says they witnessed a severe deterioration in her mental health.
A decade after that first photograph, Pamela ended up carrying out the random Times Square attack that claimed the life of 32-year-old Erin Piacenti. Cisneros also died after being shot by police.
Ten years in which her life took a turn her family could hardly have imagined.