World number two Luke Humphries credits his meteoric ascent in professional darts to the moment he chose to be candid about his mental‑health battles. The English darts star, who recently teamed up with the Samaritans to highlight World Suicide Prevention Day, recounts a pivotal episode from 2019 when an anxiety attack struck him midway through a PDC tournament. The episode left him teetering on the edge of quitting the sport he loved.
Instead of retreating, Humphries sought professional help and opened up about his feelings. The decision proved transformative, propelling him to a period of unprecedented success that culminated in a 2024 World Championship triumph and a rise to the world‑number‑one ranking. "The best thing I ever did was go and see a doctor and tell him how I felt," he told a Samaritans volunteer during a recent interview.
"Look at where I am now – I’ve achieved so much because I took that step, and I’m grateful every day for it." Humphries explained that honesty was the first essential step. "When I told my mum and dad what was going on, they were incredibly supportive. Their encouragement helped me get back on track," he said. He reflected on the stark contrast between his mental state at the time and the achievements that followed: nine major titles, a World Championship, a World Cup, and multiple Matchplay victories within a few short years.
"I never imagined those milestones were possible when I was feeling so low. I thought my career was over and even considered walking away because the pressure was overwhelming," Humphries admitted. Choosing to stay the course, he believes, was the most consequential decision of his life. "Sticking with it paid off in ways I couldn’t have foreseen.
The dividends have been huge, both on and off the oche," he added. The Samaritans note that one in four people experience suicidal thoughts, and suicide remains the leading cause of death among men under 50.
For anyone affected by the issues discussed in this article, help is available at www.sky.com/help/articles/viewersupport. Although Humphries now enjoys a more stable mental‑health footing, he acknowledges that anxiety can still surface unexpectedly. "I still get random bouts of anxiety, but they’re not tied to big crowds or high‑pressure moments.
Sometimes I’m just driving alone and a wave of anxiety hits," he explained. "What’s changed is my response. I no longer let it spiral. I’ve learned techniques to manage it, and that’s why my mental health has improved dramatically 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. Our helpline data shows that when a public figure shares their experience, it can be the catalyst for someone else to reach out for help," Gunning said. "Luke’s achievements on the board are extraordinary, but his willingness to discuss his mental health creates a different kind of legacy.
He’s giving people permission to speak up when they’re struggling, and that ripple effect is profound." Humphries is set to compete in next week’s World Series of Darts Finals, and he remains committed to using his platform to raise awareness about mental‑health issues. He stresses that seeking professional support and leaning on trusted friends and family are vital steps for anyone grappling with similar challenges.
"The first step is to be open and honest. Talk to a doctor, talk to someone you trust. It can change everything," he urged.
If you or someone you know is dealing with mental‑health concerns, Sky Sports offers a dedicated Support for Viewers page with resources and contact information. Additionally, the Samaritans can be reached free of charge, 24/7, every day of the year by dialing 116 123 or visiting www.samaritans.org.