Moving Forward, Not Moving On: Jesus Gonzalez on Suicide Loss and Healing

Intro: Jesus Gonzalez, a chief operating officer for primary care at a federally qualified health center, joins Dr. Civelli to talk about losing his partner, a physician assistant, to suicide. They discuss what grief does to memory and the body, why clinicians struggle to access care themselves, how culture and community shape healing, and why moving forward is different from moving on. Topics covered:00:00 – Welcome and why this conversation matters03:53 – Sitting in silence: supporting someone without fixing05:09 – Why healthcare workers can't access mental health care09:42 – Culture, community, and honoring the deceased11:26 – Grief brain: memory and the body18:52 – Only three days of bereavement leave23:24 – Joy, guilt, and permission to feel happy27:01 – Moving forward, not moving on29:08 – The day he found out and a stranger's kindness37:25 – Having end-of-life conversations with your family40:05 – How to support someone who is grievingMentioned in episode:American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (annual community walks)The Trevor ProjectPHQ-9 depression screeningAbout Jesus Gonzalez: Chief operating officer for primary care at a federally qualified health center, with prior experience in Bakersfield hospital systems. He speaks openly about suicide loss and mental health in healthcare on Instagram. @instajesus Connect with Trifecta Medical: trifectamedical.org www.houseofval.com (661) 677-2623 info@trifectamedical.org 9000 Ming Ave, Bldg 1LA, Ste. 29, 31, 33, Bakersfield CAGuest intake: justin@thebeaconstudios.com