Luke Humphries, currently ranked number two in the world of darts, credits his ascent to the pinnacle of the sport to a pivotal moment when he chose to be candid about his mental‑health challenges. In partnership with the Samaritans for World Suicide Prevention Day, Humphries recounted a turning point that occurred during the 2019 season.
While competing on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) circuit, he experienced a severe anxiety attack midway through a tournament. The episode left him questioning his future in the game and even contemplating retirement. Instead of keeping his struggle hidden, Humphries decided to seek professional help. "The best thing I ever did was go and see a doctor and tell him how I felt," he told a Samaritans volunteer during their conversation.
That act of honesty set off a chain reaction that propelled him to unprecedented success. Within a few years he captured the 2024 World Championship title, claimed nine major titles overall, and ascended to the world number one spot.
He explained that the first step was simply to be open and truthful about his feelings. "When I told my mum and dad, they were incredibly supportive. They helped me get to where I needed to be," Humphries said.
The support network, combined with professional treatment, gave him the tools to manage the stress that had once seemed overwhelming. "I thought my career was over and I almost gave up because the pressure was getting to me," he recalled. "Sticking with it turned out to be the best choice I ever made, and it really paid off." Humphries’ story underscores a broader statistic highlighted by the Samaritans: roughly one in four people experience suicidal thoughts, and suicide remains the leading cause of death among men under 50. The organization urges anyone affected by these issues to seek help, directing readers to Sky’s viewer‑support page at www.sky.com/help/articles/viewersupport.
Even after achieving his goals, Humphries admits that anxiety still visits him from time to time, though he now knows how to cope. "I still get those moments of anxiety, but they're random," he explained.
"They don’t always happen when I’m on stage in front of hundreds of fans; sometimes I’m just driving alone and a wave of anxiety hits. The key is not to spiral, and 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 openness on World Suicide Prevention Day. Gunning emphasized the ripple effect of such disclosures: "Stories like Luke’s can be the turning point for someone calling our helpline. His achievements on the board are extraordinary, but his willingness to talk about mental health creates a different kind of legacy.
He gives people permission to speak up when they’re struggling, and that impact is profound." Humphries’ journey offers a powerful reminder that acknowledging mental‑health struggles does not signal weakness; rather, it can be the catalyst for personal growth and professional triumph. For anyone wrestling with similar feelings, resources are readily available.
The Samaritans can be reached free of charge, 24/7, by dialing 116 123 or visiting www.samaritans.org. Additionally, Sky Sports provides a dedicated Support for Viewers page with information on how to obtain help.
Looking ahead, Humphries is set to compete in next week’s World Series of Darts Finals, confident that he now possesses the strategies to manage anxiety whenever it arises. His message to fellow athletes and fans alike is clear: seeking help, being honest with loved ones, and maintaining an open dialogue about mental health can transform a crisis into a springboard for success. By sharing his experience, Humphries hopes to inspire others to take that first step, knowing that the support network—whether family, medical professionals, or charitable organizations—can make all the difference in turning a potential career‑ending setback into a story of resilience and victory.