Brittney Griner Opens Up About The Importance Of Mental Health

WNBA star Brittney Griner is advocating for her own mental health, spreading awareness to others and shouting out her team for their continued support.

After a three-game break to take care of her mental health, Griner has opened up on the topic of taking time for yourself when necessary.

After returning from her three-game hiatus to take care of her mental health, the Phoenix Mercury center opened up about her decision to take a break and why everyone should feel comfortable doing the same.

"I just want to shout out the Phoenix Mercury organization. From the jump, they were there for me, making sure I was good," she began. "You see [athletes] really take a moment for themselves. The more people do that and make it normal, it's OK. Before, no one dared even say it. You were looked upon as weak or not wanting to play or compete, which is completely the opposite mindset."

Griner returned to the league earlier this year after being detained in a Russian prison for nearby 10 months on drug charges. She made her first official appearance on the court in May after re-signing her contract with the Mercury, and a month later, played in the WNBA All-Star Game.

Her team fully supports her and issued a statement on social media regarding her recent absence.

"Mercury center Brittney Griner will not travel with the team on its upcoming two-game road trip to Chicago and Indiana (July 30-August 1) to focus on her mental health," the statement reads. "The Mercury fully support Brittney and we will continue to work together on a timeline for her return."

During a press conference after the WNBA All-Star Game last month, Griner spoke about the experience and the team's connection.

"I'm just happy to be here in this building. Also, it's a fun time that we get to all be together. You really get to learn everybody's personality. What you see on the court is fun, but in the locker room, a couple of hours, three hours, four hours, before the game, five hours before the game, that's where all the little moments that you take away always happen. That's what I always look forward to," she said.

"And then just being here with them after everything they did to support me through one of the toughest times just means everything to be here."

She also talked about all the messages and letters she's gotten and that she's still finding some, and said she cherishes all those memories.

The Mercury recently shared the news on Instagram that Griner was awarded the WNBA Community Assist award for the month of June.

They captioned the announcement, "From championing the safe return of wrongful detainees to her contributions for marginalized communities in The Valley - Brittney Griner’s impact continues to extend beyond the court. 🧡"

Many fans dropped into the comment section to congratulate the Mercury star, as well as to support her efforts.

"A kind heart always get rewarded. Keep shining BG no one can't take away your gift. Woman with the golden heart," one person wrote. Another added, "Obviously! Much deserved. 💜💜💜"