The revelation that he had bipolar and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) finally shed light on years of unspoken struggles and a feeling of being inherently “different.
The now 42-year-old Surrey native, currently ranked world number five in darts, openly shared with the BBC the challenges he faced before understanding his conditions. “When I was younger, I didn’t really fit into social groups. know how to handle certain situations.”
Since 2016, Wade has channeled his experiences into a powerful purpose, serving as an ambassador for the charity Bipolar UK. The organization describes bipolar as a condition marked by often extreme shifts in mood and energy, which can profoundly affect individuals and their loved ones. However, Bipolar UK emphasizes that receiving a diagnosis is a crucial step, “open[ing] the door to effective treatment, support and self-management so that someone with bipolar can live well and fulfil their potential.”
Wade himself envisions a future where he dedicates even more time to advocacy. Once he hangs up his darts, he hopes to “just dedicate a lot of time to Bipolar UK and raise awareness of the condition.” He acknowledged his fortunate position at 27, having the financial means to access private healthcare for the help he needed. His hope is for “a better path for people with mental illness” in the years to come.
In navigating his personal journey, Wade has found solace in what he calls “selfish” coping mechanisms. His ultimate passion lies in working on cars – “to fix something that’s broken,” he explained. Fishing also provides a valuable escape, though he admits it’s less frequent now with children.
His resilience and triumph over adversity are powerfully encapsulated in his current walk-on song, Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing.” Wade revealed that walking away from darts, while financially unwise, would have been “100%” the easier and “best thing” for him mentally at times. Yet, his commitment to his family and their financial security kept him in the game.
Despite the internal battles, his career as a darts player has enriched his life immeasurably. “I’ve seen the world multiple times. I’ve been to places I’d never would have been,” he shared. “And I’ve met the most wonderful people through my job as well.” For James Wade, understanding his conditions wasn’t an end; it was a profound beginning to living well and inspiring others.
