Gilead and Calm Launch Emotional Wellness Support for Chronic Illnesses
Gilead Sciences partners with Calm to provide mental wellness resources for patients with chronic diseases like cancer and HIV.
Gilead and Calm's partnership aims to address mental health issues faced by chronic disease patients.
Over one-third of HIV patients experience depression, highlighting the need for emotional support.
The initiative includes meditation and soundscape sessions tailored for specific diseases.
Gilead Sciences has announced a new partnership with the mindfulness app Calm to enhance emotional wellness support for patients suffering from chronic illnesses, including cancer, HIV, and liver diseases. This initiative aims to provide resources that extend beyond physical health, addressing the mental health challenges faced by these patients.
Chronic diseases often come with significant emotional burdens. According to Gilead, more than one-third of individuals living with HIV in the United States experience depression, while 28% deal with anxiety disorders. The stigma surrounding HIV can exacerbate feelings of shame and anxiety. Similarly, around 50% of cancer patients report experiencing distress, with a notable number showing symptoms of depression. Patients with liver conditions like primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) also face debilitating symptoms that can impact their daily lives.
In anticipation of World Mental Health Day on October 10, Gilead is rolling out disease-specific content on the Calm app and its website. This includes calming meditation sessions and soundscapes designed to help patients manage distress and promote a sense of empowerment, particularly for those diagnosed with advanced cancer. The resources are also available for caregivers and others affected by these conditions, emphasizing a holistic approach to health.
Darius Kuras, Gilead's Vice President of U.S. public affairs, highlighted the company's commitment to addressing the whole person, stating that while their medications are effective, they do not fully address the mental health needs of patients. The collaboration with Calm aims to merge scientific and medical support with resources for managing stress and anxiety, particularly in the fields of HIV, oncology, and liver disease.
The partnership is set to last for two years, with potential for future expansion as Gilead continues to focus on holistic health solutions. Calm, which has previously collaborated with Insulet to create mindfulness tools for diabetes patients, is expanding its reach into the biopharmaceutical sector. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health support in chronic disease management, aiming to bring attention to these often-overlooked issues.
