Luke Humphries, who currently sits at world number two in professional darts, says that his ascent to the pinnacle of the sport would never have happened if he hadn’t been willing to discuss his mental‑health challenges openly. The English darts star, who recently teamed up with the Samaritans to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, recounted a pivotal moment in 2019 when, midway through a PDC Tour event, he experienced a severe anxiety attack that left him contemplating retirement.
Instead of withdrawing, Humphries chose to confront his feelings head‑on. He visited a doctor, confessed his inner turmoil, and began a process of honest communication with his family and support network. "The first step was being open and honest about it," he told a Samaritans volunteer.
"When I told my mum and dad, they were incredibly supportive and helped me get back on track." That decision, he says, set off a chain reaction that propelled him to a series of remarkable achievements, including the 2024 World Championship title, a World Cup victory, multiple major titles, and ultimately the world number one ranking. "Look at where I am now," Humphries reflected. "I’ve achieved so much because I took that first step, and I’m grateful I did it." He explained that at the time of his crisis he felt his career was on the brink of collapse. The stress and anxiety were overwhelming, and he seriously considered quitting the sport he loved.
"I thought it would be impossible to win nine major titles, a World Championship, a World Cup and a Matchplay when I was feeling the way I was," he said. "I felt my career was ending, and the pressure was crushing." Choosing to stay the course turned out to be "the best choice I ever made," Humphries added, noting that the benefits of seeking help have paid off in both his performance and personal well‑being.
The Samaritans point out that one in four people experience suicidal thoughts, and suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50. They encourage anyone affected by the topics discussed in this article to seek assistance via www.sky.com/help/articles/viewersupport. Looking ahead, Humphries will compete in next week’s World Series of Darts Finals. He admits that anxiety still visits him from time to time, but he has learned to manage it more effectively.
"I still get those moments of anxiety, but they’re random," he explained. "They don’t always happen in front of a crowd. Sometimes I’m alone in the car and a wave of anxiety hits.
It’s strange, but I now know how to handle it without spiralling. That’s why my mental health has improved dramatically over the past three or four years." Simon Gunning, chief executive of the mental‑health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), praised Humphries for his candidness on World Suicide Prevention Day. "It’s hard to overstate the impact these stories have," Gunning said.
"We hear from people calling our helpline that hearing someone like Luke share his experience can be the turning point they need to reach out for help." Gunning continued, "What Luke has achieved on the board is extraordinary, but his willingness to speak openly about his mental health is creating a different kind of legacy. He’s giving people permission to open up when they’re struggling, and that ripple effect is profound." Humphries’ story underscores a broader truth: mental‑health challenges affect athletes across all sports, and acknowledging them can be a catalyst for both personal recovery and professional excellence. By speaking out, Humphries not only helped himself but also provided a beacon for fans and fellow competitors who may be wrestling with similar issues.
If you or someone you know is dealing with anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, there are resources available. Sky Sports offers a Support for Viewers page with information on how to obtain help. 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. By reaching out, you can take the first step toward the same kind of transformation that Luke Humphries experienced – a step that may ultimately change the course of your life.