2 Reasons Behind the Spooky ‘Call of the Void’ Effect – By a Psychologist

Have you ever stood on the roof of a building, staring into the vast void below, and suddenly felt a strange urge to jump? Known in French as “the call of the void” or “l’appel du vide,” this fleeting thought can be incredibly disturbing.

Although this may seem like a clear death wish, it doesn’t actually mean you want to jump or put yourself in danger. On the contrary, it’s probably a sign that your survival instincts are kicking in.

According to the research, there are two reasons behind these often disturbing experiences.

1. Self-Defense

When we stand on the edge of a cliff, walk across a bridge, or lean on a balcony, our brain goes into a state of hyper-awareness, recognizing a risky situation and preparing us to go on the defensive when necessary. Our brain’s security system immediately activates and prepares to protect us.

When we experience the call of the void, our brain may be encouraging us to think about what we shouldn’t do in a particular situation and may be working through potential scenarios, no matter how counterintuitive, to evaluate how we would respond to danger. This allows us to imagine “what if” scenarios without actually pursuing them.

Research published in Journal of Affective Disorders This shows that “what if” reminds us of real dangers and signals that we need to step back and proceed with caution. But in moments of panic, we can misinterpret these safety signals as if they’re telling us to do something that defies all logic.

This response helps us stay safe rather than indicating any actual desire to jump. Think about it; Immediately after such a thought, you will most likely snap out of it, think about how ridiculous or dangerous it could be and take action to ensure your safety, just as your brain intended.

2. Sensitivity to Internal Cues

Another reason why some people experience the call of the void is “anxiety sensitivityThis is the tendency to be particularly aware of the physical symptoms associated with anxiety and to interpret these feelings as danger signs. For example, individuals with high anxiety sensitivity may interpret heart palpitations or rapid breathing as a sign that something is wrong, such as a heart attack.

“Individuals who report experiencing this phenomenon are not necessarily suicidal; rather, the experience may reflect their sensitivity to internal cues and actually confirm their will to live,” the researchers explain.

For them, the idea of ​​jumping may be caused by: hyperawareness It involves their own body’s signals and an exaggerated interpretation of those signals. Misinterpretation can lead to an intense belief that there is an urge to jump, even if only for a short time.

For many people, discomfort with the call of the void stems from a paradox: we recognize that we are free to act in ways that challenge our self-preservation instincts, but even the thought of doing so strengthens our commitment to self-preservation. . The call of the void can serve as reassurance that we have the capacity to exercise control over our impulses even in the face of freedom.

Here are some practical ways to manage and respond to the “call of the void” when it arises:

• Acknowledge the thought and let it pass. When you notice such a thought, remember that there is nothing wrong with you and accept it as “just a thought” and let it pass without judgment. This acceptance can help reduce emotional impact and counteract unwarranted self-blame.
• Take a few deep breaths to ground yourself. If the call of the void makes you feel anxious, take a few moments to center yourself by breathing deeply. Focus on slow, steady breathing; As you inhale, count to four, hold for a second, and exhale for a count of four. This practice can help you calm both your body and mind and reduce your chances of drifting into anxious or fearful thoughts.
• Remember that you are safe. For people with high anxiety sensitivity, reminding yourself that you are safe and in control can help calm your mind. Simply telling yourself “I’m safe,” “I’m confident,” or “I’m staying off the edge” can strengthen the safety of your surroundings.
• Change your focus. Redirecting your attention can help break the mental loop of disturbing thoughts. If you’re near a ledge or high ground, try focusing on something safe, like a distant object in the landscape, a person nearby, or an interesting detail in your surroundings. This can help your brain shift gears from the imagined worst-case scenario to the current reality.
• Trust your support system. Sometimes sharing these feelings with a friend or a mental health professional can help normalize them. You’ll probably find that many people have had similar experiences without ever becoming depressed or suicidal, and you’ll learn techniques for managing any anxiety that arises.

Ultimately, experiencing the call of emptiness can be an invitation to deepen our understanding of and confidence in ourselves. Embracing this awareness rather than fearing it helps us remember that we are not alone in facing such strange or worrying thoughts.

While our minds sometimes send us confusing signals, it also equips us with tools to navigate these signals, such as the capacity for rational thinking and self-compassion. By choosing to meet the call of the void with curiosity rather than shame, we can reclaim these moments as they are; reminders of our strength and our innate capacity for self-care.

Do you feel like you are more sensitive to anxious thoughts than others? Get the science-backed one Anxiety Sensitivity Test to see how you stack up.