AN Instagram post by Gemma Collins which promoted a pulsating headset to fight depression has been banned. The reality star encouraged people to take treatment for the mental health condition into their own hands instead of seeking professional medical help, the UK watchdog ruled. The 43-year-old, who has 2.
2million followers, shared a video of herself wearing the £400 Flow Neuroscience AB device in May 2023. It is said to send mild electrical impulses to the frontal cortex, an area of the brain responsible for regulating mood . In her post, Collins , who shot to fame on The Only Way is Essex, said: "I’m off my depression tablets and this has been a real game changer for me.
"Flow actually works faster and better than antidepressants. "It’s like having your own therapist in the comfort of your own home. "You’re fully in control of your own treatment.
" She added that if people can't access therapy or don't want to take medication, they should try this new option, which they can buy directly online without a prescription - though they should consult their GP. Text accompanying the clip claimed that the headset, which has not undergone rigorous testing in the UK, "reduces depression in 88 per cent of people, according to Flow's data". Most read in Health The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), which states that marketing must not “discourage essential treatment for which medical supervision should be sought”, said the post violated its code.
Collins told the regula.