Linda Fensler thought she would be as a psych nurse when started her nursing career right out of high school, but eventually realized that mid-20th century nursing was a bit too intense. 

“In those days, nurses were sort of confined to hospitals and we had to deal with several patients at a time while making critical life and death decisions with very little training,” says Linda, who resides in Grand Island.

So, in her early 20s, with some inspiration from a close family member, Linda opted for a career in counseling. 

“I had a grandmother who suffered from mental illness and saw her in dire straits,” Linda says. “The solutions in those days were limited to electroshock or chemical therapy or even worse… It seemed barbaric.”

Linda eventually got married and started a family. Later, she went on to get her master’s degree (by age 40) and became a certified assistance professional (CEAP®) to help employees manage crisis and addiction. She was the corporate counsellor on the other end of the “crisis line.”

“I had the opportunity to work as an intake person at a mental health facility, then I went right into employee assistance and loved it,” Linda says. 

Linda believes that our society needs to change the way we think about addiction, because the old ways of equating a negative dependency with weakness or punishment doesn’t always work. In her book, Rising Above Addiction, she provides research to prove it.  

“Those with addiction have a chemical imbalance and to persecute them isn’t helpful. In fact, it can be quite harmful,” she says. “Many addicts are depleting their bodies into a chemical depression.”

She says that it’s possible to gradually change negative habits and employ healthy behaviors through education, scientific research and real-world experiences.

Linda also has a special passion for those who find themselves isolated later in life. 

“There are so many seniors out there who need and want help but because of lack of money or transportation they may feel like they don’t have access to it,” she says. “It’s my mission to reach those people.”

She’s been working on forms of technology and even artificial intelligence to assist these often-forgotten folks.

“I recognize that one size doesn’t fit all, so I want to cater to individuals who may not find solace in traditional treatment programs,” Linda says. “I believe writing this book is a positive start.” 

Photos: Nicole Hamel