Luke Humphries, currently ranked second in the world, credits his ascent to the pinnacle of darts to the moment he chose to be candid about his mental‑health challenges. The English darts prodigy, who recently teamed up with the Samaritans to observe World Suicide Prevention Day, recounted a pivotal episode from 2019 when, midway through a PDC Tour event, an anxiety attack struck him so hard that he contemplated abandoning his career altogether. Instead of retreating, Humphries decided to confront his struggles head‑on.
He consulted a medical professional, opened up about his feelings, and shared his situation with his parents, who offered unwavering support. "The first step was honesty," he explained in a conversation with a Samaritans volunteer. "When I told my mum and dad what was going on, they helped me find the path I needed to follow." That act of openness proved transformative. Within a few years, Humphries surged to the very top of the sport, capturing the 2024 World Championship, adding multiple major titles—including a World Cup and a Matchplay—to his résumé, and ultimately attaining the world No.
1 ranking. "Looking back, the best thing I ever did was see a doctor and tell him how I felt," he said.
"Look where I am now. I’ve achieved so much because of that decision, and I’m grateful I took it." Humphries admitted that, at the time of his anxiety episode, he felt his career was on the brink of collapse. The pressure and stress seemed overwhelming, and he imagined quitting as a plausible option. Yet he chose to persevere, a choice he now describes as the most rewarding he has ever made.
"Sticking with it paid off in ways I never imagined," he reflected. "The dividends have been enormous." The Samaritans highlight that one in four people experience suicidal thoughts, and suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50.
For anyone affected by the topics discussed, help is available through resources such as www.sky.com/help/articles/viewersupport. Although Humphries has made remarkable progress, he acknowledges that anxiety still visits him from time to time. "I still get those moments of anxiety, but they’re random," he noted.
"They don’t always happen in front of a crowd; sometimes I’m alone in my car and a wave of anxiety hits. The key is that I now know how to manage it without spiraling. That’s why my mental health has improved dramatically over the past three to four years." Simon Gunning, chief executive of the charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), praised Humphries for his bravery in sharing his story on World Suicide Prevention Day. Gunning emphasized the far‑reaching impact of such disclosures: "It’s hard to overstate how powerful these narratives are.
Our helpline callers often tell us that hearing someone like Luke speak openly 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 creates a different kind of legacy. He gives people permission to speak up when they’re struggling, and that ripple effect is profound." Humphries is set to compete in the upcoming World Series of Darts Finals, and he remains vigilant about his mental well‑being.
He stresses the importance of not allowing anxiety to dictate one’s actions and encourages others to seek professional help when needed. "You don’t have to suffer in silence," he advises.
"Talking to a doctor, reaching out to family, or contacting a helpline can make all the difference." For anyone grappling with mental‑health concerns or worried about a loved one, Sky Sports offers a dedicated Support for Viewers page with further information on obtaining assistance. Additionally, the Samaritans can be reached free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by dialing 116 123 or visiting www.samaritans.org.