Former world darts champion Luke Humphries has credited his openness about mental health struggles as a crucial factor in his rise to the top of the sport. Humphries, currently ranked world No. 2, revealed that during the 2019 Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Tour, he experienced a severe anxiety attack that nearly led him to quit the sport. Speaking ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day, he emphasized that seeking help and talking openly about his feelings played a vital role in overcoming his challenges.

Humphries described the moment he reached out for professional support as “the best thing I ever did,” noting that it set him on a path to significant success. Since then, he has won multiple major titles, including the 2024 World Championship, and has held top world rankings, achievements he said would have seemed impossible during his period of struggle.

Reflecting on that difficult time, Humphries explained that the stress and anxiety felt overwhelming, and that his career appeared to be in jeopardy. He credits confiding in his parents and medical professionals for providing the necessary support to persevere. “The first step is to be open and honest about it,” he stated, highlighting how this openness allowed him to avoid spiraling and stay focused on his goals.

Despite his progress, Humphries acknowledged that he continues to experience occasional bouts of anxiety. He described these moments as unpredictable and sometimes occurring in mundane situations, such as when alone in a car. However, he said learning to manage these episodes has been critical. “I still get those moments of anxiety but they’re just random… You don’t spiral, that’s the most important thing,” he said.

Humphries has partnered with the mental health charity Samaritans to raise awareness about suicide prevention. The organisation reports that one in four people experience suicidal thoughts, with suicide being the leading cause of death among men under 50.

The Samaritans encourage individuals struggling with mental health issues to seek support, offering a free helpline at 116 123 and online resources. Humphries’ story underscores the significance of reaching out for help and confronting mental health challenges openly as a path toward recovery and achievement.