Experiencing an urge to dive into the depths of emptiness? You're in good company.
The "call of the void," also known as l’appel du vide or the high place phenomenon (HPP), is a mysterious and often misunderstood mental experience. This sudden, unexplained desire to participate in dangerous or self-destructive behaviors, such as thoughts of jumping from high places or driving off cliffs, is not rooted in despair or suicidal intent.
Common causes of the "call of the void" are generally considered to be involuntary, brief intrusive thoughts or impulses experienced when facing high or dangerous places. These thoughts are not a genuine suicidal impulse but rather arise from a deeper psychological mechanism that likely reflects an awareness of risk and the mind’s way of acknowledging boundaries or testing safety.
From a psychoanalytic perspective, some theories connect this phenomenon to Freud’s concept of the death drive (Thanatos), where an instinctual pull toward self-destructive or risky behavior coexists with life-preserving instincts. This view suggests that “call of the void” impulses might be expressions of an underlying instinct striving to master fears or unpleasant experiences by repetition or confrontation in controlled moments.
While explicit evidence-based coping strategies from research are limited, general understanding and psychological tips for managing such impulses include:
- Awareness and acceptance: Recognizing the "call of the void" as a normal cognitive phenomenon rather than a genuine suicidal impulse helps reduce anxiety about it.
- Grounding techniques: Focus on physical sensations and the safety of the present moment to counter intrusive thoughts.
- Cognitive reframing: Understand these impulses as the brain's way of processing danger rather than an urge to act.
- Distraction and mindfulness: Redirect attention to external tasks or mindful observation of surroundings.
- Seeking professional help if these thoughts induce significant distress or are accompanied by suicidal ideation.
It's essential to remember that the "call of the void" is often harmless and occurs without any real reason or cause. However, if the thoughts are persistent and continue to come back often, make an appointment with a healthcare professional. If the call of the void makes you feel concerned about your safety or the safety of others, seek help from a primary care provider or therapist.
Researchers have found that the call of the void occurs more often among people who have more sensitivity to anxiety. If you're experiencing other mental health symptoms, such as anxiety or depression, or if you're sleeping a lot or sleeping very little, it's crucial to seek help.
Dr. Lauren Alexander, a psychologist, explains that the cause of this phenomenon is not fully understood, but it may involve confusion between recognizing danger and the brain's impulse to act on it. Other examples include thoughts of swerving into oncoming traffic, driving off an elevated ramp or cliff, cutting oneself while chopping vegetables, and jumping in front of a train or climbing down to the tracks from a subway platform.
In summary, the "call of the void" results mainly from involuntary intrusive thoughts linked to risk awareness and possibly deeper instinctual drives, with coping primarily based on awareness, cognitive techniques, and grounding strategies. If you or someone you know is in a crisis or needs immediate help, text, call, or chat with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you live outside of the United States, look to other crisis lines from around the world.
- The "call of the void" can also be related to a person's focus on maintaining their mental health, as it can be considered a manifestation of curiosity or an unconscious desire for self-mastery in the context of fitness-and-exercise and health-and-wellness.
- In instances where the "call of the void" is persistent, it might be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional for advice on potential dietary modifications, as poor nutrition can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and other mental health conditions.
- Some researchers propose that the "call of the void" may be related to individuals' unique combination of science, health, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health interests, suggesting that advances in neurosciences and psychology could shed light on this phenomenon's causes and effective coping strategies.
