Depression is a very common mental health disorder. Although there are many tried and true therapy techniques that a depression therapist might use, the Law of Assumption is a little-known one that can have a big impact.
What is the Law of Assumption?
The Law of Assumption says that your beliefs influence your reality. For example, if you think you’re a dumb person, you’ll act in ways that are dumb. You think, and so you act.
Although the law of assumption grew in popularity through pop psychology and is not a scientifically recognized treatment, there is some real truth behind it. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches that how we think influences how we feel and how we behave. By changing our thoughts, we change our behavior.
This is the science behind the Law of Assumption. Let’s look at some examples:
- Instead of thinking, “I hope I get promoted,” you assume, “I am already in my dream role.”
Why it works: You visualize yourself working in that position, feeling confident and accomplished. Over time, your mindset, behavior, and opportunities align with that assumption.
- Instead of worrying, “No one ever chooses me,” you assume, “I am loved, valued, and desired.”
Why it works: You carry yourself with self-worth and attract relationships that reflect that belief.
- Instead of focusing on debt or scarcity, you assume, “Money flows easily to me.”
Why it works: You start noticing opportunities for income and make financial decisions from a place of confidence instead of fear.
- Instead of saying, “I’m always sick,” you assume, “I am healthy, strong, and full of energy.”
Why it works: You begin adopting habits that align with good health, reinforcing your assumption.
- Instead of thinking, “I’m not good enough,” you assume, “I am capable and worthy of success.”
Why it works: This mindset shift changes how you speak, act, and interact with others — leading to real improvements in confidence and outcomes.
The power of the Law of Assumption is not that it is magical or a secret cheat code to all the success in the world. Instead, it works in the same way that therapy does: Changing your thoughts changes your behavior, which changes the outcome of your actions.
But while this trick is great for things like relationships, career success, and self-esteem, can it hold a candle to the darkness of mental health issues like depression? As it turns out. . . yes, it can.
Law of Assumption and Depression
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by low mood, anhedonia (the loss of pleasure from things that used to make you happy), low self-esteem, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, and self-isolation habits. It is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world, but that doesn’t make it easy to live with or recover from.
For treatments, depression therapists might use:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps people identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to depression.
- Medication: Antidepressants like SSRIs, SNRIs, or atypical antidepressants can help balance brain chemistry.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Looks at past experiences and emotional conflicts that may affect current mood.
- Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, enough sleep, and mindfulness practices can improve overall mood.
The most common treatment depression therapists use is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT is often considered the “gold star” of depression therapy because it is just that effective.
CBT deals with “Cognitive distortions”, which are negative, untrue thought patterns that exacerbate and can even cause depression symptoms. For example,
Here’s a short list of common examples of cognitive distortion:
- All-or-Nothing Thinking: Seeing things as completely good or bad, with no middle ground. For example, “If I’m not perfect, I’m a failure.”
- Overgeneralization: Drawing broad conclusions from a single event, like “I failed once, so I’ll always fail.”
- Catastrophizing: Expecting the worst possible outcome, such as “If I make one mistake, everything will fall apart.”
- Mind Reading: Assuming you know what others are thinking. For instance, “She didn’t text back; she must be mad at me.”
- Emotional Reasoning: Believing your feelings reflect facts, like “I feel worthless, so I must be worthless.”
- Should Statements: Setting rigid rules for yourself or others, such as “I should always do better.”
- Personalization: Taking responsibility for things outside your control, for example, “It’s my fault my friend is upset.”
Do you notice anything similar with these cognitive distortions and the beginning statements of Law of Assumption?
They’re very similar!
The Law of Assumption and CBT use many of the same techniques. They take a thought that is unhelpful, untrue, and negative, and turn it into something that is positive, true, and helpful for you and your goals.
How a Depression Therapist Can Help You Learn the Law of Assumption
Will magically thinking “I am not depressed anymore,” help you become less depressed? No. Depression is a multifaceted mental health issue with neurological and genetic components. It is not run purely by thoughts and therefore cannot be treated purely through positive thinking.
But, that doesn’t mean reframing your thoughts can’t be helpful.
A depression therapist will help you find the balance between toxic positivity and healthy thinking. “Everything is fine” is not a good or realistic way to think, but neither is “nothing will ever be fine ever again.”
The goal of a depression therapist, and the goal of the law of assumption, is to find a happy in-between where your thoughts can be true and helpful to you.
Jean Smith is a fitness enthusiast and blogger who focuses on fitness and a healthy lifestyle. She is passionate about assisting people in living healthier lifestyles and is constantly on the lookout for new and creative methods to stay fit and healthy. Her articles are excellent resources for anyone interested in improving their health and fitness.