Luke Humphries, the world number two in darts, has spoken about how being open about his mental health struggles played a key role in his rise to the top of the sport. In 2019, he experienced a severe anxiety attack during a tournament on the PDC Tour, a professional darts circuit, which left him considering quitting the game. However, he decided to seek help and has since become world number one, culminating in his victory at the 2024 World Championship. To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, Humphries partnered with the Samaritans, a UK-based charity that provides support for people in emotional distress, to raise awareness about mental health.
Humphries has emphasized the importance of being honest about mental health challenges. He said the best decision he ever made was to speak with a doctor and share his feelings. Opening up to his parents also helped him gain support and guidance during a difficult time. At the height of his anxiety, he feared his career was over and nearly gave up due to the pressure. But he chose to continue, a decision he now calls the best of his life.
Humphries explained that while he still experiences anxiety from time to time, he has learned effective ways to manage it. He noted that anxiety can strike unexpectedly, even in everyday situations like driving alone, but he has developed strategies to prevent it from overwhelming him. Over the past three to four years, he has seen significant improvement in his mental health. His journey highlights the importance of seeking help and being open about struggles, especially in high-pressure environments.
According to the Samaritans, mental health challenges are common, with one in four people experiencing suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives. Suicide is the leading cause of death among men under 50 in the UK. Humphries' story serves as both a personal testament to recovery and a call for others to seek support when facing similar difficulties.
Luke Humphries credits mental health openness for career success
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