'When I was younger I didn't really fit in to social groups' - James Wade on living with bipolar disorder

James 'The Machine' Wade recently spoke candidly to BBC about the relief he felt when he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADHD at the age of 27. The current world number five indicated that he struggled with misunderstanding and inner struggle for years before being properly diagnosed.

"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," said Wade to BBC. "Sometimes I was a bit naughty - not in a bad way - but I didn't know how to handle certain situations."

Since 2016, Wade has been committed as an ambassador for Bipolar UK, an organization dedicated to helping people with the disorder. The darter plans to dedicate even more time to raising awareness in the future, especially if he ever puts his darts down for good. "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."

Wade emphasized how important that diagnosis was to him, "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."

Besides darts, Wade finds his peace in other passions. Tinkering with cars is his big hobby because it gives him a sense of control: "That's my passion, to fix something that's broken," he said. "Fishing is another one for me that is good - but I don't go as much now as I have children."

His emergence song on stage actually says it all: 'I'm Still Standing' by Elton John. It is a musical tribute to his fight as well as his victory over the most difficult opponent: himself. Wade admits that quitting would have been the easiest option, mentally maybe even the best option. "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%, 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."

Despite the challenges, gratitude prevails. "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."