By Dr. Winiger, Medical Director and Creator of the Flow Service at Dr.Online
When Innovation Meets Lived Experience
I’ll be honest—when I first spotted Flow on a pharmacy shelf, I did a double-take. A headset for depression? Sitting there between vitamins and toothpaste? My mind immediately went back to medical school, where I’d observed a single session of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)—a stark, clinical experience, usually reserved for the most severely unwell. The idea that a form of brain stimulation could be used safely at home, by everyday people, felt surreal.
But the more I looked into Flow, the more it made sense.
As a GP, I’ve spent years listening to patients describe the weight of depression. Not just the low mood and fatigue, but the way it reaches into every corner of their lives—disrupting sleep, sabotaging relationships, dulling joy, and draining the motivation to do even the smallest tasks. It doesn’t just affect the mind. It affects the body, too—and it’s one of the biggest barriers my patients face when trying to change their lifestyle or manage their health.
I’ve always had a strong interest in mental health, and I’m used to navigating the delicate terrain of antidepressants: the trade-offs, the side effects, the frustration when they just don’t work. So when I found Flow—a non-medication option backed by real research—I felt curious, and cautiously hopeful.
Getting to Know the Flow Team
After reaching out to the Flow team, what stood out wasn’t just the tech—it was the people behind it. I’ve had the privilege of joining weekly meetings with their UK medical team, which has provided valuable insight into their clinical approach and commitment to evidence-based care. Every question I raised—from practical use to patient safety—was met with thoughtful, evidence-based answers.
More recently, I had the opportunity to meet with Daniel Mansson, co-founder of Flow and a clinical psychologist by background. Our conversation focused on the development of Flow over the years—from its early inception to its current form, which integrates behavioural therapy with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Daniel shared how the platform’s design has been shaped by emerging research and clinical feedback, contributing to a growing evidence base supporting its use in treating depression.
We discussed how Flow’s benefits are significantly heightened when used under clinical oversight—a point that strongly aligns with our approach at Dr.Online, where digital tools are not standalone solutions, but are embedded within clinically-led pathways. This collaboration of technology and clinical governance is where we see the most meaningful outcomes for patients.
That gave me the confidence to start offering Flow to patients through DrOnline.
What Flow Does
At its core, Flow delivers gentle electrical stimulation to the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain involved in mood regulation. This technique, known as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), has been around for decades. What’s new is that Flow has made it accessible—safe to use at home, with built-in safeguards and guidance through an app.
I’m not usually one to be drawn to flashy new tech. But when something combines strong science with practical usability, I pay attention. Flow is CE-marked, clinically tested, and designed with real patients in mind.
What I’ve Seen in Practice
When patients use Flow under our guidance at DrOnline, we don’t just hand it over and hope for the best. We create a daily stimulation plan that reflects the protocols used in major clinical studies, typically daily sessions for 3-4 weeks.
That structure makes a real difference. Patients report fewer emotional “crashes,” improved concentration, and a subtle but powerful return of energy, motivation, and even libido. For some, Flow has provided hope where medication either failed or caused too many side effects.
And it’s not just about depression scores—it’s about life coming back into focus.
Where It Really Shines
Flow has been especially useful for patients who can’t tolerate medication, haven’t responded well to traditional treatments, feel emotionally flat or stuck, or want something more natural or drug-free.
Interestingly, we’re also seeing benefits beyond the treatment of depression—things like improved clarity, better sleep, and more emotional connection. Some of our patients using Flow have even noticed improvements in libido and energy levels that had been dulled by SSRIs.
The Link Between Mood and Weight
In my other role—leading our weight loss service, Flow has become an unexpected ally. When patients are depressed, they often struggle to take care of their bodies. But when mood improves, the shift is visible: food choices improve, exercise feels doable again, and there’s this quiet return of belief in their ability to change.
Helping patients break through that cycle is deeply rewarding. And Flow has helped me do that more often.
Final Thoughts
Flow isn’t a silver bullet. No single treatment is. But it’s a tool that’s safe, well-researched, and empowering—especially for people who’ve run out of options or want to try something different. The fact that it’s medication-free and yet produces results similar to traditional antidepressants is significant.
I don’t recommend treatments lightly. But I’ve seen Flow work in the data, in my patients, and in the stories they’ve shared with me.
If you or someone you love is feeling low, stuck, or worn down by the side effects of antidepressants, Flow might be worth exploring. It’s one more way we can meet people where they are—and help them move forward.