Simone Biles taught us key mental health lesson in Tokyo, therapist says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A Houston clinical therapist is speaking out after a wave of comments on social media surrounding Simone Biles' decision to pull out of the women's gymnastics team finals.

You might remember just the day before the finals Tuesday at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Biles wrote on Instagram she was holding the weight of the world on her shoulders.

The gymnast said she didn't want to risk the team a medal. They went on to take the silver medal.

Casondra Burkley, a Houston-area clinical therapist, told Eyewitness News' Chauncy Glover that the four-time Olympic gold medalist still walked away a victor.

"It took courage for her to actually make that decision, especially with so much pressure on her to perform and to please, so for her to be able to set a boundary and prioritize her mental health - her stability, her emotional stability - that is a huge win, and I hope that the example that she said today will be an example for many to follow," Burkley said.

Burkley said now more than ever we all must pay attention to the triggers that cause us to become overwhelmed.

She said never hesitate to stop, reset and take a break. More importantly, talk to someone about your feelings.

"It is significantly important: we cannot ignore, especially in this day and age, we cannot ignore the triggers, we cannot ignore the signs," Burkley said. "It is imperative that we bring those things to the forefront, and that we force people to prioritize and give attention to it."