How I Learned to Take My Health Into My Own Hands

When I first started dealing with an autoimmune disease, I did what most of us are taught to do: I went to the doctor, hoping for answers. What I found instead was a wall. The doctors I saw relied on the same playbook they learned in med school—many years ago—and weren’t interested in exploring anything new. I left every appointment feeling dismissed, frustrated, and honestly, a little hopeless.

But here’s the thing: I’m stubborn. I wasn’t about to accept “this is just how it is” as my future.

So I rolled up my sleeves and became my own student. I started reading—everything. Nutrition books, functional medicine, mind-body connections, movement, mindfulness… if it was on the shelf, I read it. What I discovered changed everything. Managing my health wasn’t just about medication; it was about how I nourished myself, how I moved my body, how I quieted my mind, and even how I approached life as a whole person.

For years, my world was advertising. Sean (my husband) and I co-founded Looney Advertising, and we built it into a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree and one of Adweek’s Fastest Growing Agencies three years straight. It was exciting, creative, and a lot of hard work. But as proud as I am of that, I’ll tell you the truth: nothing compares to the feeling of sitting with someone who’s been suffering silently—maybe them, maybe their child—and being able to share something useful that helps them feel better. That lights me up more than any award.

That’s why Sean and I created Loopwell, the first well-being social club. It’s a space where people can come together, learn, share, and thrive—even when they’re facing challenges. Since we opened, I’ve been lucky enough to help hundreds of people with their mental, physical, emotional, social, occupational, financial, and spiritual health. It’s been the most rewarding chapter of my life.

And because I know not everyone can come to Loopwell in person, I’m starting this blog (and soon, a video series!) to share what I’ve learned, what I’m still learning, and hopefully give you some tools and encouragement for your own journey.

If there’s one thing I’ve taken away from all of this, it’s that your health is never one-dimensional. Healing doesn’t happen in a single pill or a single appointment. It happens when you explore, learn, and permit yourself to try things that might feel outside the box.

So here’s to curiosity, to community, and to taking your health into your own hands.

With love,

Deb