Luke Humphries, currently ranked world number two in darts, credits his willingness to discuss his mental‑health challenges as the pivotal factor behind his meteoric rise to the sport’s summit. In partnership with the Samaritans for World Suicide Prevention Day, Humphries recounted a turning point that occurred during a 2019 PDC Tour event when an anxiety attack threatened to derail his career. At that moment, he contemplated quitting the professional circuit altogether. Instead of keeping his struggles hidden, Humphries chose to be transparent.
He consulted a doctor, opened up about his feelings, and shared his concerns with his parents. The response was overwhelmingly supportive, and the experience set in motion a series of positive changes that propelled him to the top of the darts world.
Within a few short years he amassed nine major titles, captured the 2024 World Championship, lifted the World Cup, and secured a Matchplay victory, ultimately attaining the world‑number‑one ranking. "The best thing I ever did was go and see a doctor and tell him how I felt," Humphries told a Samaritans volunteer during their conversation. "Look at where I am now. I’ve achieved so much because I took that step, and I’m grateful I did." He emphasized that honesty was the first and most crucial step.
"When I told my mum and dad what was going on, they were incredibly helpful. They helped me get to where I needed to be," he explained.
Reflecting on his earlier mindset, Humphries admitted that the prospect of winning multiple majors seemed impossible when he was battling severe anxiety. "I thought my career was over and I almost gave up because the stress was overwhelming," he said. "Sticking with it turned out to be the best decision I ever made – it really paid off." The Samaritans note 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 issues discussed in this story, help is available at www.sky.com/help/articles/viewersupport. Even after his breakthrough, Humphries acknowledges that anxiety still visits him, but he has learned to manage it more effectively. "I still get those moments of anxiety, but they’re random," he said. "They don’t always happen in front of a crowd; sometimes I’m just driving alone and a wave of anxiety hits.
It’s strange, but I now know how to handle it without spiraling. That’s why my mental health has improved so much over the past three or 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 these stories have," Gunning remarked.
"We hear from callers that hearing someone like Luke share his experience can be the turning point they need to seek help. Luke’s achievements on the board are extraordinary, but his willingness to discuss 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’ story underscores the importance of seeking professional help, confiding in trusted loved ones, and normalising conversations about mental well‑being in high‑pressure environments such as professional sport. His journey from a 2019 anxiety episode to world champion illustrates how vulnerability can become a source of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is dealing with similar challenges, Sky Sports offers a Support for Viewers page with resources and contact information.
You can also reach Samaritans free of charge, 24/7, by dialing 116 123 or visiting www.samaritans.org. The message is clear: reaching out saves lives, and speaking up can change the trajectory of a career—and a life.