Luke Humphries, currently ranked world number two in darts, has openly credited his willingness to discuss his mental‑health challenges as the pivotal factor behind his meteoric rise in the sport. In partnership with the Samaritans for World Suicide Prevention Day, Humphries reflected on a crucial moment in 2019 when, midway through a PDC tournament, he experienced a severe anxiety attack that left him contemplating retirement. The decision to seek professional help and to be candid about his feelings not only rescued his career but also propelled him to the pinnacle of darts, culminating in his 2024 World Championship triumph and his ascent to the world number one spot.
"The single most important thing I ever did was walk into a doctor’s office and tell him exactly how I felt," Humphries told a Samaritans volunteer during their conversation. "Look at where I am now – the achievements, the titles – all of that stems from that moment of honesty." He explained that the first step was simply admitting his struggles to his parents, who responded with support and encouragement.
"My mum and dad were incredibly helpful. They helped me get to where I needed to be," he said. At the time, Humphries felt his career was on a downward trajectory; he imagined it ending prematurely because the stress and anxiety were overwhelming. "I thought it would be impossible to win nine major titles, a World Championship, a World Cup, and a Matchplay in the years that followed," he recalled.
"Back then, I could not see a future for myself in the sport." Choosing to persevere, Humphries believes that decision was the best one he ever made. "Sticking with it paid off in ways I never imagined," he added.
The Samaritans note that one in four people experience suicidal thoughts, and suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50, underscoring the importance of stories like Humphries’ for public awareness and prevention. For anyone affected by the issues discussed, support is available through Sky’s viewer‑help page at www.sky.com/help/articles/viewersupport.
Looking ahead, Humphries will compete in the upcoming World Series of Darts Finals. He admits that anxiety still surfaces from time to time, but he has learned to manage it more effectively. "I still get random bouts of anxiety – they don’t always happen in front of a crowd.
Sometimes I’m alone in the car and it hits me out of nowhere," he explained. "The key is not to let it spiral. Over the past three or four years my mental health has improved dramatically because I’ve learned coping strategies and how to intervene before the anxiety escalates." Simon Gunning, chief executive of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), praised Humphries for his openness on World Suicide Prevention Day. "The impact of stories like Luke’s cannot be overstated," Gunning said.
"Our helpline callers often tell us that hearing a high‑profile athlete speak about mental health is the catalyst that pushes them to seek help." Gunning added that while Humphries’ on‑board achievements are remarkable, his willingness to discuss his mental‑health journey creates a different kind of legacy. "He’s giving people permission to speak up when they’re struggling, and that ripple effect can change lives," Gunning emphasized. If you or someone you know is dealing with mental‑health concerns, Sky Sports offers a Support for Viewers page with resources and contact information. The Samaritans also provide free, confidential support around the clock; you can reach them 24/7, 365 days a year, by calling 116 123 or visiting www.samaritans.org.
Humphries’ story illustrates how confronting personal demons can transform not only an individual’s career but also inspire broader societal change. By sharing his experience, he has helped to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health in professional sport, encouraging fans and fellow athletes alike to seek help when needed. His journey from a 2019 anxiety attack to world champion status serves as a powerful reminder that vulnerability, when met with support and professional guidance, can become a catalyst for extraordinary achievement. The broader message is clear: acknowledging mental‑health struggles is not a sign of weakness but a step toward resilience and success.
Humphries’ candidness demonstrates that with the right resources—whether a doctor, family, or organizations like the Samaritans—individuals can navigate anxiety, prevent potential crises, and continue to pursue their passions at the highest level. His ongoing commitment to mental‑health advocacy ensures that his legacy will extend beyond darts, fostering a culture where seeking help is normalized and celebrated.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed, remember that help is just a phone call away, and stories like Humphries’ show that recovery and triumph are possible.