Beloved Altru Physician Shares His Mental Health Journey at the TEARS Talk and Walk 2023

Grand Forks, N.D. – The TEARS Talk and Walk 2023 will take place Sunday, September 10 beginning at noon at the Ralph Engelstad arena.

Dr. James Miles, a pediatric neurologist at Altru will be the keynote speaker and share his mental health journey.

“I think it’s important to break the stigma of mental health,” said Dr. Miles. “Simply because mental health is just as important, and mental illness, is just as important as any physical ailment.”

While in medical school, he was diagnosed with a chronic illness. As his condition got worse, he needed surgeries. The health impacts caused strain on his mental health, resulting in anxiety and depression.

At that pivotal point, Dr. Miles was experiencing thoughts of self-harm and he decided he needed help. Dr. Miles was hospitalized in the inpatient psychiatric unit at Mayo Clinic.

“I spent time working with mental health providers and also focusing on my faith,” said Dr. Miles. “My time with my pastor as well is really what helped me get through that time of my life.

At the TEARS Talk and Walk 2023, Dr. Miles will discuss his journey with mental health and the role his faith played in helping him heal.

In his neurology practice at Altru, Dr. Miles helps kids - and their parents- navigate pediatric health issues like seizures, migraine headaches and developmental delays.

Are you in a crisis? Call 911, 988 or text TALK to 741741.

To register for the TEARS Talk and Walk, click here.