JAMES WADE admits he came close to walking away from darts altogether as it would have been “100 per cent the best thing” for his mental health. 

The World No.5 was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at 27-years-old. 

Wade, 42, now represents the charity Bipolar UK as an ambassador – a role he has held since 2016. 

Aldershot thrower Wade revealed he had struggled with the conditions pre-diagnosis. 

He explained: “I’ve always been a little bit different – when I was younger I didn’t really fit in to social groups.  

“I would do things to make people laugh or just act stupid. 

“Sometimes I was a bit naughty – not in a bad way – but I didn’t know how to handle certain situations.” 

The 10-times major winner says he would like to do more to raise awareness of the condition when he eventually gets around to retirement. 

He said: “Hopefully I’ve earned enough money from my job to be able to leave me under no pressure whatsoever, and I can just dedicate a lot of time to Bipolar UK and raise awareness of the condition. 

“I was really, really fortunate when I was 27. I had the funds, so used private healthcare to go and get the help that I needed. 

“Hopefully in years to come, there’ll be a better path for people with mental illness.” 

Wade’s walk-on tune, Elton John’s I’m Still Standing, reflects how he battled through those darkest moments. 

He added: “I could have walked away, which would have been the easy option, that’s for sure. 

“It wouldn’t have been the best for me financially, but mentally, 100 per cent, to walk away from the game with immediate effect would be definitely the best thing for me. 

“My job is to financially support my family and give them a little bit more freedom.” 

But Wade insists the sport has still given him so much to be thankful for. 

He stated: “I’ve seen the world multiple times. I’ve been to places I’d never would have been. And I’ve met the most wonderful people through my job as well.”