TV personality Gemma Collins’ Instagram advert promoting a headset marketed as a treatment for depression has been banned by the UK’s advertising watchdog. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) deemed the ad, posted in May 2023, as encouraging people to take their depression treatment into their own hands by purchasing the £400 device.
In the video, Collins claimed that the headset had been a “game changer” for her, allowing her to stop taking her depression medication. The ASA ruled that the ad violated their guidelines by discouraging essential treatment that should be supervised by a medical professional.
Although Collins included a disclaimer in the post advising people to consult their GP and not stop taking their medication without medical advice, the ASA found it insufficient to meet their standards.
The manufacturer of the device, Flow Neuroscience, stated that depression should be treated responsibly under the guidance of a healthcare professional. They have since spoken to Collins and removed the posts in question.
A spokesperson for Gemma Collins has been contacted for comment. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional stress, support is available through the BBC Action Line.
