Jessie James Decker Shares Her Thoughts on Music, Migraines, and the Importance of Self-Care
This Valentine’s season, Jessie James Decker is prioritizing love—and the challenges of living with migraines. The singer, entrepreneur, and mother participated in the event Love, Migraine & Mocktails last week in New York, where she explored the impact of migraines on romance and daily intimacy.
In candid discussions alongside new survey insights, Decker shared her experiences with migraines and underscored the importance of empathy and communication in relationships during an interview with NewBeauty.
“I’m excited to partner with AbbVie on Love in Mind because this initiative speaks to something really personal in my life. I’ve lived with migraine for years, and I think there’s so much more to the conversation than just the physical symptoms. Migraine has impacted my relationships, my career and how I show up in my daily life—and I don’t think we talk about that enough,” she said.
The Love in Mind initiative aims to foster dialogue about the emotional effects of migraines, particularly in relationships. “There have been times I’ve had to miss out on important moments with my husband Eric and my kids, sometimes pushing through the pain because I didn’t want to miss those special memories. I want women living with migraine to know they’re not alone in this, and I want to empower them to have bold, honest conversations with their healthcare providers about how migraine is truly affecting their lives,” Decker added.
Reflecting on her various pursuits, Decker highlighted the significance of each in her life. “Music and performing are my passions, but fashion and my other businesses fuel a different type of creative outlet. There’s something about creating something tangible that makes people’s lives better—whether that’s fashion they feel confident in, food they can share with their families, or advocating for deeply personal health concerns,” she explained.
She acknowledged the challenges of managing a busy schedule, which can trigger migraines. “I’ve learned that I must listen to my body and take care of myself first so I can show up fully for my family,” she stated.
Decker emphasized authenticity in her work as an artist. “When I’m working on a song, I ask myself whether it is true to what I’m experiencing right now. I can’t make my audience believe something if I don’t believe in it myself,” she said. She noted that her music has matured alongside her personal journey, particularly in navigating the realities of being a wife, a mother, and a business owner while managing migraines.
Her perception of beauty has also evolved. “When I was younger, I connected beauty to the idea of always needing to look and present perfect all the time. That’s what Kittenish is all about. But as I’ve gotten older, real beauty to me is more grounded in how you carry yourself, how you treat people, and whether you’re taking care of yourself,” she explained.
True confidence, according to Decker, comes from self-awareness. “It comes from saying ‘no’ when you need to, asking for help when you’re struggling, and being honest instead of pretending everything’s perfect all the time. My migraine journey is a perfect example of that,” she said.
Maintaining her self-care routine as a preventive measure against migraines is crucial for Decker. “I’m religious about getting proper rest and drinking tons of water—that’s non-negotiable. I’m intentional about my workouts and have modified how I exercise to feel my best,” she shared.
In managing stress, which is a significant migraine trigger for her, she noted the importance of open communication. “I talk openly with Eric about how I’m feeling, what my triggers are, and what support I need. That support system is everything,” she said.
When faced with overwhelming situations, Decker has learned to prioritize her well-being. “When I need to step back, he steps up. I can’t always do everything, and that’s okay. Accepting that has actually been freeing,” she remarked.
Decker described a pivotal moment in her migraine journey involving professional help. For years, she managed her condition with over-the-counter medications until a significant event made her realize she needed to seek a diagnosis. “When I finally talked to my doctor about how migraine was impacting my life and relationships, it was a relief to get a diagnosis. My doctor and I developed a management plan that included prescription medication, changing everything for the better,” she said.
She concluded with a powerful message about the importance of self-care. “You cannot pour from an empty cup. Self-care isn’t optional; it’s essential. Give yourself grace. You’re not going to be perfect at balancing everything all the time. Advocate for yourself—have bold, honest conversations with your doctor about how you are feeling. Lean on your support system, and remember to keep your focus on the moments that matter most to you,” she advised.
“You’re doing better than you think. And if you’re struggling, getting help isn’t giving up; it’s taking control,” Decker added.
