Shelly Qualtieri, a former peacekeeper, recently spoke to Newsweek about the emotional toll that comes with managing the emotions of others. In her interview, she emphasized the importance of recognizing the harm that can be caused by constantly suppressing one’s own emotions in order to maintain peace. As someone who has experienced this firsthand, Qualtieri’s insights shed light on a crucial aspect of peacekeeping that is often overlooked.
Peacekeeping is a noble and challenging profession, one that requires individuals to navigate complex and often volatile situations in order to maintain peace and stability. It is a role that requires a great deal of emotional intelligence, as peacekeepers must be able to manage their own emotions while also understanding and responding to the emotions of those around them. This can be a daunting task, especially in high-stress and conflict-ridden environments.
In her interview, Qualtieri shared her personal experience of constantly suppressing her own emotions in order to keep the peace. She explained that this is a common practice among peacekeepers, as they are expected to remain calm and composed in the face of chaos and violence. However, over time, this can take a toll on one’s mental and emotional well-being.
As humans, we are wired to experience and express a range of emotions. When we constantly suppress these emotions, it can lead to a build-up of stress and tension within ourselves. This can have negative consequences on our mental health, causing anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Qualtieri herself struggled with PTSD after her time as a peacekeeper, and she believes that it was a result of constantly suppressing her emotions.
But the harm caused by suppressing emotions does not stop at the individual level. Qualtieri also pointed out that this practice can have a detrimental effect on the entire peacekeeping team and the community they are trying to help. When peacekeepers are not able to express their emotions and process them in a healthy way, it can lead to tension and conflict within the team. This can ultimately hinder their ability to effectively carry out their mission and provide support to the community.
Moreover, when peacekeepers are constantly suppressing their emotions, it can create a false sense of peace. Instead of addressing the root causes of conflict and working towards sustainable solutions, peacekeepers may simply be managing the emotions of those involved. This can lead to a temporary calm, but it does not address the underlying issues that need to be resolved for lasting peace to be achieved.
So, what can be done to address this issue? Qualtieri suggests that peacekeeping organizations should prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of their staff. This includes providing adequate support and resources for peacekeepers to process their emotions and seek help if needed. It also means creating a culture where it is acceptable to express and discuss emotions, rather than constantly suppressing them.
Furthermore, it is important for peacekeepers to be trained in emotional intelligence and self-care. This will not only help them in their role as peacekeepers but also in their personal lives. By learning how to manage their own emotions and support the emotions of others in a healthy way, peacekeepers can better fulfill their duties and contribute to creating a more peaceful world.
In conclusion, Shelly Qualtieri’s insights on the emotional toll of peacekeeping shed light on an important aspect of this challenging profession. It is crucial for peacekeeping organizations to recognize and address the harm caused by constantly suppressing emotions. By prioritizing the mental and emotional well-being of peacekeepers, we can create a healthier and more effective approach to maintaining peace and stability in the world. Let us not forget that peace starts within ourselves, and it is only when we take care of our own emotional well-being that we can truly help others.
