Luke Humphries, currently ranked world number two in professional darts, has repeatedly emphasized that his ascent to the sport’s summit would have been impossible without confronting his mental‑health challenges head‑on. In a candid interview conducted in partnership with the Samaritans for World Suicide Prevention Day, Humphries recounted a pivotal moment in 2019 when, midway through a PDC Tour event, an overwhelming anxiety attack threatened to end his career. At that point he contemplated quitting the sport altogether. Instead of retreating, he chose to be honest about his feelings, seeking professional help and opening up to his family.
"The best thing I ever did was go and see a doctor and tell him exactly what I was feeling," Humphries told a Samaritans volunteer. He added that the decision set off a chain reaction that ultimately propelled him to the pinnacle of darts, culminating in his 2024 World Championship triumph and his rise to the world number one ranking.
Humphries explained that the first step was simple yet profound: admitting his struggles to his parents. "When I told my mum and dad what was going on, they were incredibly supportive. They helped me get to a place where I could keep moving forward," he said.
He reflected on how, at the time, the prospect of winning nine major titles—including a World Championship, a World Cup and a Matchplay—seemed impossible given the weight of his anxiety. "I thought my career was over and I almost gave up because the stress was crushing," he recalled.
"Sticking with it turned out to be the best choice I ever made; it really paid off in the end." The Samaritans note that one in four people will experience suicidal thoughts at some point, and that suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50. They urge anyone affected by the topics discussed in this interview to seek help via www.sky.com/help/articles/viewersupport.
Although he has now achieved a level of success few can imagine, Humphries admits that anxiety still visits him, albeit in a more manageable way. "I still get those moments of anxiety, but they’re random," he said. "They don’t necessarily happen when I’m on stage in front of hundreds of fans.
Sometimes I’m alone in my car and it hits me out of nowhere. The key is that I’ve learned not to let it spiral. That’s why my mental health has improved so much over the past three to four years." Simon Gunning, chief executive of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), praised Humphries for his openness on World Suicide Prevention Day. "It’s hard to overstate the impact of stories like Luke’s," Gunning said.
"We hear from callers to our helpline that hearing someone of Luke’s stature talk about mental health can be the turning point that pushes them to seek help. Luke’s achievements on the board are extraordinary, but his willingness to discuss his mental health is creating a different kind of legacy. He’s giving people permission to speak up when they’re struggling, and that ripple effect is profound." Humphries’ journey underscores a broader truth about elite sport: success is not just a product of physical talent and relentless practice, but also of psychological resilience and the courage to ask for help. By sharing his story, he not only demystifies the stigma surrounding mental‑health issues in darts but also provides a roadmap for others facing similar battles.
For viewers who may be dealing with anxiety, depression, or thoughts of self‑harm, resources are readily available. Sky Sports offers a Support for Viewers page with information on how to obtain assistance. The Samaritans can be contacted free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by dialing 116 123 or visiting www.samaritans.org. Humphries’ testimony serves as a powerful reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that the right support can transform a career—and a life—forever.