2 Reasons Why You Might Hear A 'Call Of The Void'

Struggling with bizarre intrusive thoughts? Here's why they aren't as dangerous as they seem, and why you might be having them.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | November 27, 2024

Have you ever stood on the roof of a building, staring down at the vast, open space below and suddenly felt the strange urge to jump? This fleeting thought,known as the "call of the void" or "l'appel du vide" in French, can be incredibly unsettling.

Although this can feel like a clear death wish, it doesn't actually mean you want to jump or endanger yourself. On the contrary, it's likely a sign of your survival instincts kicking in.

Here are two reasons behind these often disturbing experiences, according to research.

1. Self-Preservation

When we stand on the edge of a cliff, walk on a bridge or lean over a balcony, our brain enters a state of hyper-awareness, recognizing a risky situation and preparing us to act defensively if needed. Our brain's safety system kicks in immediately, preparing to protect us.

When we experience the call of the void, our brain might be prompting us to think about what not to do in a given situation, and running through potential scenarios, however irrational, to assess how we would respond to danger. This allows us to imagine "what if" scenarios without actually following through on them.

Research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders shows that this "what if" serves as a reminder of the real dangers, signaling us to step back and proceed with caution. However, in moments of panic, we may misinterpret these safety signals as telling us to do something that defies all logic.

Rather than indicating any genuine wish to leap, this response helps keep us safe. Think about it—immediately after such a thought, you're likely to snap out of it, think about how absurd or dangerous it could have been and take actions to ensure your safety, just as your brain intended.

2. A Sensitivity To Internal Cues

Another reason some people experience the call of the void is their "anxiety sensitivity," which is the tendency to be especially aware of physical symptoms associated with anxiety and interpreting these feelings as signs of danger. For instance, individuals with high anxiety sensitivity may interpret a racing heart or rapid breathing as a sign of something being wrong, such as a heart attack.

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

For them, the thought of jumping could stem from an over-awareness of their own body's signals and an exaggerated interpretation of those signals. The misinterpretation can lead to an intense, if short-lived, belief that they have an urge to leap.

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

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 acknowledge it as "just a thought," allowing it to pass without judgment. This acceptance can help reduce its emotional impact and counter any misplaced self-blame.
• Take some deep breaths to ground yourself. If the call of the void leaves you feeling anxious, take a few moments to center yourself through deep breathing. Focus on taking slow, steady breaths—count to four as you breathe in, hold for a second and exhale for four counts. This practice can help calm both your body and mind, reducing the chance of spiraling into anxious or fearful thoughts.
• Remember that you're safe. For people with high anxiety sensitivity, reminding yourself that you're safe and in control can help calm your mind. Simply telling yourself, "I am safe," "I trust myself" or "I am standing far from the edge" can reinforce the safety of your surroundings.
• Shift your focus. Redirecting your attention can help disrupt the mental loop of unsettling thoughts. If you're near a ledge or high place, try focusing on something safe, such as a distant object in the landscape, a person nearby or an interesting detail around you. This can help your brain switch gears from the imagined worst-case scenario to the present reality.
• Rely on your support system. Sometimes, sharing these feelings with a friend or a mental health professional can help normalize them. You'll likely find that many people have similar experiences, without ever having been depressed or suicidal, and you'll learn techniques to manage any anxiety that comes up.

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

Just as our mind occasionally sends us confusing signals, it also equips us with the tools to navigate them, such as the capacity for rational thinking and self-compassion. By choosing to meet the call of the void with curiosity instead of shame, we can reclaim these moments for what they are—reminders of our strength and inherent capacity for self-care.

Do you sense that you're more sensitive to anxious thoughts than others? Take the science-backed Anxiety Sensitivity Test to see how you stack up.

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.