Vikings' Griffen reveals he has bipolar disorder

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen revealed he has bipolar disorder in the wake of an incident that took place at his home on Nov. 24.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings.

"It's true I am bipolar," Griffen wrote Friday on Instagram. "I will embrace it and I will be an advocate for mental health. I been running from it a long time. I'm not ashamed of it anymore. It all started when my mother passed away. Went into a dark place, thought I was great for many years. I promise this time I will do everything the experts say. I love my family and I miss my friends. Thank you for all the love and support, but most of all thank you for all the prayers."

The Vikings placed Griffen on the non-football illness reserve on Nov. 26, two days after police and mental health professionals were called to his house. Griffen had called 911 and was refusing to leave his house because he said there was an intruder inside trying to kill him. Police officers weren't able to locate an intruder after entering Griffen's home.

Griffen, a four-time Pro Bowler, is in his second stint with the Vikings. He missed five games in 2018 during his first stretch with Minnesota after an altercation with police at a hotel. He spent four weeks undergoing mental health treatment after that incident and lived in a sober house for the final three months of the 2018 season.

The Vikings haven't said when Griffen might return to the lineup. The 33-year-old has five sacks this season, trailing only Danielle Hunter for the team lead, though Hunter is out for the season due to injury.

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