TV personality Gemma Collins has found herself in hot water after a recent Instagram post promoting a headset as a treatment for depression was banned by the UK’s advertising watchdog.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) deemed the ad, which was 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 helped her get off her depression tablets and worked faster and better than antidepressants.
However, the ASA ruled that the ad went against their guidelines, stating that UK adverts must not discourage essential treatment for which medical supervision should be sought. The ad has since been deleted.
In response to the ruling, the manufacturer of the device, Flow Neuroscience, emphasized the importance of seeking advice from a healthcare professional before seeking treatment for depression. They stated that they strive to make this clear in all of their communications and will continue to do so.
A spokesperson for Gemma Collins has been contacted by the BBC for comment on the situation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional stress, sources of help and support are available via the BBC Action Line.
