The Call of the Void – L’appel du Vide – A Strange Mental State
The Subtle Mental Voice to Jump Off the Cliff and Its Impact on Scam Victims
Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology
Intended Audience: Scam Victims-Survivors / Family & Friends
Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
The phrase l’appel du vide—“the call of the void”—describes a fleeting yet haunting impulse to leap into danger, not from a desire to die, but from a sudden confrontation with one’s own vulnerability. For scam victims, this metaphor resonates deeply. After the collapse of trust, identity, and security, many victims find themselves peering into their own emotional abyss, overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts, shame, and the desire to retreat from life altogether.
The trauma of being deceived by someone you trusted can echo that same chilling moment on the cliff’s edge: the ground feels unstable, and nothing feels safe. Yet, just as most people step back from the literal edge, victims too can recover—by confronting their emotions, rejecting the seductive pull of despair, and reclaiming their agency.
Like the call of the void, the aftermath of a scam is not about destruction—it’s about reckoning. In acknowledging the darkness, victims discover their capacity to choose life, rebuild identity, and reshape their narrative. That journey isn’t easy, but it affirms the truth that even from the edge, it is possible to step back—and begin again.
The Call of the Void – L’appel du Vide
The Subtle Mental Voice to Jump Off the Cliff and Its Impact on Scam Victims
The phrase “the call of the void” typically brings to mind a psychological phenomenon often described as l’appel du vide (French for “the call of the void”). It refers to the sudden, intrusive thought or urge to do something dangerous or self-destructive when in a safe situation, such as imagining jumping off a cliff while standing at the edge, swerving into oncoming traffic while driving, or stepping in front of a train while waiting on a platform. These thoughts are not indicative of a genuine desire to harm oneself but rather a fleeting, often unsettling impulse that most people experience at some point.
Psychological Interpretation
This phenomenon is generally understood as a quirk of the human mind rather than a sign of mental illness. Psychologists suggest several explanations:
- Cognitive Dissonance: The brain, aware of the danger, might imagine the act as a way to process the fear of it. For example, standing on a high ledge, your brain might think, “What if I jumped?” not because you want to, but because it’s testing your survival instincts, reinforcing your awareness of the risk.
- Intrusive Thoughts: These are a common feature of human cognition, often tied to anxiety or the brain’s tendency to explore “what if” scenarios. The “call of the void” is a specific type of intrusive thought, distinct from suicidal ideation because it lacks intent or desire.
- Misinterpretation of Safety Signals: Some researchers, like those cited in a 2012 study from Florida State University, propose that the urge might stem from a misfiring of the brain’s safety mechanisms. When you’re in a dangerous position but safe (e.g., behind a railing on a balcony), your brain might interpret your lack of fear as a signal to act recklessly, prompting the thought to jump as a way to reassert caution.
Cultural and Linguistic Context
The phrase itself originates from French existentialist philosophy and literature, where l’appel du vide captures a sense of existential dread or the sublime terror of freedom. It’s often associated with the works of thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre, who explored the overwhelming freedom of choice and the anxiety it can provoke. In this context, the “call of the void” might symbolize the human confrontation with mortality, the unknown, or the temptation to surrender to chaos.
Everyday Examples
The “call of the void” manifests in various scenarios:
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- Standing on a high place and feeling a sudden urge to jump.
- Holding a knife while cooking and imagining what would happen if you used it on yourself.
- Driving on a highway and briefly considering steering into another lane.
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A 2016 study in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry found that over 50% of participants without a history of suicidal ideation reported experiencing such thoughts, suggesting it’s a near-universal experience. These thoughts are typically fleeting and followed by a quick rejection (“I would never do that”), distinguishing them from genuine suicidal intent.
Broader Symbolic Meanings
Beyond psychology, “the call of the void” can evoke metaphorical or symbolic ideas:
Temptation of the Unknown: It might represent the allure of surrendering to uncertainty or chaos, a theme often explored in literature and art. For example, in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Imp of the Perverse,” the narrator describes a similar urge to act against one’s better judgment, reflecting the human fascination with self-destruction.
Existential Reflection: It can symbolize the human struggle with freedom, mortality, and the fragility of life, prompting introspection about why we feel such impulses and what they reveal about our psyche.
Pop Culture References: The term has been popularized in modern media, often used to describe moments of reckless curiosity or existential unease. For instance, in online forums like Reddit’s r/AskReddit, users frequently share stories of feeling this “call” in mundane situations, such as standing near a deep body of water and wondering what it would be like to dive in.
Personal Reflection
When we hear “the call of the void,” we also think of its paradoxical nature: it’s a reminder of how our brains are wired to protect us, yet they can also conjure up these strange, almost primal urges that defy logic. It’s a fascinating intersection of psychology, philosophy, and human experience, highlighting the complexity of the mind and its relationship with danger, freedom, and self-awareness.
The Call of the Void: A Scam Victim’s Journey Through Trauma to Recovery
Imagine standing on the edge of a cliff, gazing into the abyss below, when a sudden, inexplicable urge washes over you: the impulse to jump. This fleeting thought, known as the call of the void, isn’t a genuine desire to harm yourself—it’s a quirk of the human mind, a momentary whisper of chaos that reminds you of your own fragility. For scam victims, this psychological phenomenon takes on a profound metaphorical resonance, echoing the emotional turmoil they endure after being deceived. The journey from trauma to recovery is fraught with moments of existential dread, self-doubt, and the temptation to surrender to despair. Yet, just as the call of the void prompts a deeper awareness of survival instincts, the scam victim’s path can lead to resilience, self-discovery, and healing. In this article, we’ll explore how the themes of the call of the void—intrusive thoughts, the confrontation with freedom, and the allure of the unknown—intersect with the scam victim’s experience, guiding you through the stages of trauma and offering hope for recovery.
The Initial Betrayal: A Descent into the Void
When you first realize you’ve been scammed, the shock can feel like standing on the edge of that metaphorical cliff. The ground beneath you—your trust, your financial security, your sense of self—crumbles away, leaving you staring into an abyss of uncertainty. The financial loss can be staggering, but the emotional toll often cuts deeper. You might feel a mix of disbelief and betrayal, as if the world you thought you knew has vanished.
Take the example of a romance scam, where you believed you were building a genuine connection with someone online. After months of heartfelt messages, they ask for money to cover a sudden emergency—$10,000, let’s say. You send it, only to discover they’ve disappeared, leaving you with an empty bank account and a broken heart. I felt like I’d lost a part of myself, you might say, capturing the profound sense of loss that many victims experience. This initial betrayal is your first encounter with the void—a moment where the stability of your life is replaced by chaos.
The Call of the Void: Intrusive Thoughts and Self-Doubt
As the reality of the scam sinks in, you may find yourself grappling with intrusive thoughts, much like the call of the void. These thoughts aren’t about jumping off a cliff but about questioning your own worth and decisions. How could I have been so foolish? What’s wrong with me? you might ask yourself, replaying the scam in your mind. These intrusive thoughts are a natural response to trauma, but they can be paralyzing. For you, as a scam victim, these urges might manifest as self-blame or a temptation to withdraw from the world entirely.
The shame can be overwhelming. Society often views scam victims with skepticism, assuming you must have been gullible or desperate to fall for the deception. This stigma discourages many from seeking help, deepening the isolation you feel. You might feel an urge to give up—to stop fighting the legal system, to stop trying to recover your losses, to stop believing in yourself. This is the call of the void in its darkest form: the temptation to surrender to despair, to let the abyss swallow you whole. But just as the call of the void is a fleeting thought, this despair doesn’t have to define your journey.
Confronting Freedom: The Burden of Choice After a Scam
One of the most profound themes of the call of the void is the existential dread of freedom, a concept that captures the overwhelming reality of choice. When you stand on that metaphorical cliff, you’re confronted with the possibility of jumping or stepping back. For scam victims, this translates to the burden of deciding how to move forward after the betrayal. The scam has stripped away your sense of control, leaving you with a dizzying array of choices—none of which feel safe. Do you report the crime, risking judgment? Do you try to recover your losses, knowing the odds are slim? Do you open up to loved ones, or do you hide your pain?
This confrontation with freedom can be paralyzing. The legal system, overwhelmed by the global nature of cybercrime, often fails to provide closure. Scammers operate across borders, transferring funds offshore within hours, making recovery nearly impossible. You might feel trapped between the desire to fight and the temptation to give up—a psychological tug-of-war that mirrors the call of the void’s tension between action and surrender.
Yet, this burden of choice also offers an opportunity for growth. By acknowledging the freedom to choose your next steps, you can begin to reclaim the agency that the scammer stole from you. It’s a daunting process, but it’s the first step toward stepping back from the edge of the abyss.
The Allure of the Unknown: Navigating Uncertainty in Recovery
The call of the void also speaks to the allure of the unknown—the strange temptation to surrender to chaos, to see what lies on the other side of the cliff. For scam victims, this manifests as the uncertainty of recovery. You might wonder, What if I never recover my money? What if I never trust again? The future feels like a vast, uncharted void, filled with both fear and possibility. This uncertainty can be terrifying, but it also holds the potential for transformation.
Recovery often begins with small, courageous steps. Connecting with others who have been through similar experiences can provide a safe space to process your emotions. Hearing others say, ‘It’s not your fault,’ helped me start to forgive myself, you might reflect after joining a discussion group with fellow victims. These interactions can help you navigate the unknown, rebuilding trust in yourself and others.
Stepping Back from the Edge: Building Resilience and Healing
Just as the call of the void prompts a quick rejection of the urge to jump, your journey as a scam victim can lead to a powerful reaffirmation of life. Recovery is not about erasing the trauma but about learning to live with it, using it as a catalyst for growth. The intrusive thoughts of self-doubt may linger, but you can learn to challenge them. I am not defined by this scam, you might tell yourself, replacing shame with self-compassion. Resilience-building activities, such as sharing your story with others or focusing on small victories, can help reduce the emotional impact of the trauma.
Practical steps can also help you regain a sense of control. Reporting the scam, even if recovery is unlikely, can provide a sense of agency, a sense of restored control. Be cautious of services promising to recover funds for a fee, as these are often secondary scams targeting the vulnerable. Instead, you can work with your bank to secure your accounts and seek out the SCARS Institute’s Support and Recovery programs to cope with the emotional fallout. These actions, though small, can help you step back from the edge, grounding you in the present.
The allure of the unknown, once a source of fear, can become a source of hope and strength. As you rebuild, you might discover new strengths—perhaps a deeper empathy for others or a renewed commitment to protecting yourself in the future. I never thought I could trust again, but I’m learning to, you might say after connecting with others who understand your experience. This journey through the void, though painful, can lead to a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.
As we say: You are stronger than you know!
Societal Change: Supporting Victims Beyond the Void
Your recovery doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it’s influenced by the broader societal response to scam victims. The call of the void highlights the human fascination with chaos, but it also underscores the need for safety nets to catch us when we’re on the edge. For scam victims, this means addressing the systemic failures that deepen their trauma. Governments must prioritize funding for victim support services, ensuring that programs can meet the growing demand. Law enforcement needs better training and resources to tackle cybercrime, including international cooperation to trace stolen funds.
Societal attitudes also need to shift. The stigma surrounding scam victims—They must have been gullible—must be dismantled through public awareness campaigns that emphasize the sophistication of modern scams. Encouraging victims to report crimes without fear of judgment, perhaps through anonymous systems, can increase recovery rates and deter scammers. Recognizing the dual loss of financial security and emotional trust can foster greater empathy, helping you feel seen and supported.
A New Perspective: Embracing the Lessons of the Void
The call of the void, in all its complexity, offers a powerful lens through which to understand the scam victim’s journey. It captures the intrusive thoughts that haunt you in the aftermath of betrayal, the existential dread of choosing how to move forward, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. But it also reflects the resilience inherent in the human spirit—the instinct to step back from the edge, to reject despair, and to find meaning in the chaos. Your experience as a scam victim, though harrowing, can lead to profound personal growth, teaching you about your own strength and capacity for healing.
As you navigate this journey, remember that you’re not alone. The void may call, but you have the power to answer with hope, supported by communities and resources that understand your pain. By advocating for systemic change and embracing your own resilience, you can transform the darkness of the void into a source of light, illuminating the path to recovery for yourself and others.
Conclusion: Reflecting on the Journey Through the Void
The call of the void, with its themes of intrusive thoughts, existential freedom, and the allure of the unknown, provides a poignant framework for understanding the scam victim’s journey from trauma to recovery. You begin with the shock of betrayal, feeling the ground beneath you give way as the scam unravels, leaving you with financial loss and emotional scars. Intrusive thoughts of self-doubt and shame, much like the urge to jump off a cliff, threaten to pull you deeper into despair, exacerbated by societal stigma and systemic failures.
The confrontation with freedom—deciding whether to fight for justice or withdraw—mirrors the existential dread of choice, while the uncertainty of recovery evokes the allure of the unknown, tempting you to surrender to chaos. Yet, just as the call of the void is a fleeting impulse, your journey doesn’t end in darkness. Through peer support, practical steps, and a shift in perspective, you can step back from the edge, rebuilding your resilience and finding hope in the unknown. Societal change, from increased funding to reduced stigma, can further support your recovery, ensuring that no victim faces the void alone. This journey, though painful, reveals the strength within you, transforming the call of the void into a call for healing and renewal.
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- SCARS Institute now offers a free recovery program at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
SCARS Resources:
- Getting Started: ScamVictimsSupport.org
- FREE enrollment in the SCARS Institute training programs for scam victims SCARSeducation.org
- For New Victims of Relationship Scams newvictim.AgainstScams.org
- Subscribe to SCARS Newsletter newsletter.againstscams.org
- Sign up for SCARS professional support & recovery groups, visit support.AgainstScams.org
- Find competent trauma counselors or therapists, visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
- Become a SCARS Member and get free counseling benefits, visit membership.AgainstScams.org
- Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
- Learn more about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
- Learn more about the Psychology of Scams and Scam Victims: ScamPsychology.org
- Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
- Worldwide Crisis Hotlines: International Suicide Hotlines – OpenCounseling : OpenCounseling
- Campaign To End Scam Victim Blaming – 2024 (scamsnow.com)
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this and other SCARS articles are intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here
If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.
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This describes how I felt those first few months after the betrayal came to light. L’appel du vide was screaming in my ears daily. And I contemplated answering its call. Something in me told me I was needed here and that I would, once again, find my purpose. The article continues to accurately describe how I progressed to self-doubt, self-loathing, zero trust in myself. Sitting in the darkness of those emotions, acknowledging them and then finding the strength to move forward and choosing to seek out some means to heal was one of the most difficult times of my life. Reading through this reminds of how far I’ve come and also shows me how much more healing there is front of me. One step at a time.
La “voz del silencio” en una víctima de estafa se refiere a la tendencia a no hablar sobre su experiencia, a mantener en secreto lo sucedido por sentimientos de vergüenza, culpa, miedo al juicio o incluso por la manipulación del estafador. Esta falta de comunicación puede tener graves efectos en la víctima, como el aislamiento, falta de confianza o deterioro en la salud emocional etc. Sin embargo romper el silencio es un paso crucial en el proceso de recuperación de una víctima de estafa, algunas maneras de enfrentar la “voz del silencio”: unirse a grupos de apoyo (SCARS) , buscar terapia y ayuda profesional, y si esposible apoyo en su entorno de vida.