Send us a text

Ever stood at the edge of a cliff, balcony, or tall building and felt a sudden urge to jump—even though you're not suicidal? You're experiencing the High Place Phenomenon, and you're far from alone. In this extended deep dive, we explore the neuroscience behind this unsettling experience, why your brain creates these intrusive thoughts, and what it reveals about your survival instincts. We'll examine detailed case studies from climbers, bridge workers, and everyday people who've experienced this phenomenon, dive into the latest research on misinterpreted safety signals, and explore the connection between HPP and other forms of intrusive thinking. You'll learn practical protocols for managing these moments and understand why this experience might actually indicate good mental health rather than poor impulse control. This episode expands on our YouTube video with additional research, real-world applications, and the neuroscience your brain doesn't want you to know.

Support the show

If this episode resonated with you, take a moment to pause before moving on to the next thing. Burnout thrives on momentum without reflection.

New episodes explore the psychology of work, stress, identity, and recovery through research-backed insights—not hustle culture clichés. The goal is clarity, not motivation.

If you found value here, consider following the show and sharing this episode with someone who might need it. Conversations like these are how awareness starts—long before burnout becomes collapse.

You can also follow along on YouTube for upcoming episodes and related content:

https://www.youtube.com/@thepsychfilesyt