This Valentine’s season, Jessie James Decker is shifting the focus from roses and chocolate to love and migraines. The singer, entrepreneur, and mom recently joined Love, Migraine & Mocktails in New York to discuss how migraines can impact romance, connection, and everyday intimacy.
Through candid conversation and new survey insights, Decker shared her experiences of living with migraines and emphasized the importance of empathy and communication in a discussion with NewBeauty.
Why is this partnership and message so important to you?
“I’m thrilled to collaborate with AbbVie on Love in Mind because this initiative hits close to home for me. Migraines have been a part of my life for years, and I believe there is more to the conversation than just the physical symptoms. Migraines have affected my relationships, my career, and how I navigate daily life—and I think we need to talk about that more.
The Love in Mind initiative aims to start a dialogue about the emotional impact of migraines, especially within relationships. This resonates with me deeply because there have been moments when I’ve had to miss out on special occasions with my husband and kids due to migraines. I want women living with migraines to know that they are not alone, and I want to empower them to have honest conversations with their healthcare providers about how migraines truly impact their lives, just like I did.”
You’ve built a career spanning music, fashion, and business. At this point in your life, which creative outlet feels the most grounding for you?
“Each creative outlet fulfills a different part of my soul, making it difficult to choose just one. Music and performing are my passions, while fashion and my other businesses provide a different kind of creative expression.
Creating tangible things that enhance people’s lives, whether it’s fashion that boosts confidence, food that brings families together, or advocating for personal health concerns, grounds me in purpose. Ultimately, it all comes back to family and the people I love.
While my schedule can be overwhelming at times, potentially triggering migraines, I’ve learned the importance of listening to my body and prioritizing self-care so I can fully show up for my family.”
Your sound has also evolved over the years. How do you know when a song still feels authentic to who you are now?
“Authenticity is about honesty. When working on a song, I ask myself if it reflects my current experiences. I can’t expect my audience to believe in something that I don’t believe in myself. If a song doesn’t resonate with my truth, I won’t pursue it.
As I’ve grown older, my sound has matured along with my life experiences. I’ve embraced the real, messy, and honest aspects of my life as a wife, mother, business owner, and migraine sufferer. Authenticity in my music comes from being true to where I am in life, which is what connects with my fans.”
Beauty and confidence go hand in hand. How has your relationship with beauty changed as you’ve gotten older?
“My perception of beauty has evolved as I have. In my younger years, beauty was linked to always looking perfect and flawlessly presented. While I still enjoy fashion and dressing up, real beauty to me now is about how you carry yourself, treat others, and prioritize self-care.
Confidence stems from knowing and accepting yourself, not apologizing for who you are. It involves setting boundaries, seeking help when needed, and being honest about imperfections. My journey with migraines exemplifies this.
True beauty, in my opinion, lies in a woman who recognizes her worth, takes care of herself, and shows up authentically. When a woman prioritizes herself, she can better care for her loved ones.”
Do you have any beauty or self-care rituals that help you feel your best, especially on busy days? Any treatments or products you swear by?
“Absolutely. My self-care routine focuses on prevention and management, given my migraines. I prioritize adequate rest, hydration, and tailored workouts to maintain my well-being.
Stress management is crucial for me, as stress is a major migraine trigger. I address tension before it escalates into a migraine.
In terms of treatments, my prescription migraine medication has been transformative. I also rely on ice packs, dark rooms, massages, and a consistent skincare routine to care for myself.
Communication is key in my self-care routine. I openly communicate with my husband about my needs, triggers, and how he can support me during migraine episodes. Having a supportive partner is invaluable.”
When life feels overwhelming, what helps you reset and reconnect with yourself?
“During overwhelming times, I rely on what works best for me. First and foremost, I listen to my body. When I start to feel the pressure behind my eyes and sensitivity to light, I know a migraine is coming. Instead of pushing through, I have learned to prioritize rest. This shift in mindset has taught me that taking care of myself is not a sign of weakness.
I rely heavily on Eric and my support system during these times. When I need to step back, Eric steps up. He creates a quiet and dark environment when I need it, making me feel less alone in dealing with migraines.
Being honest with myself about my limits has been liberating. I have accepted that I can’t do everything, and that’s okay. This realization has helped me focus on what truly matters—spending time with my family and engaging in creative work that nourishes my soul.
Reflecting on my journey, the moment that taught me the most about trusting my instincts was when I finally sought professional help for my migraines. I had been managing them on my own for years, thinking it was just a normal part of life. However, a pivotal charity event made me realize that I needed to stop fighting alone and get the support I needed.
Trusting my instincts and seeking help from a doctor led to a diagnosis and a management plan that significantly improved my quality of life. This experience taught me that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a loving act towards oneself and those around you.
For women trying to balance work, family, and self-care, I offer this advice: prioritize self-care as essential, give yourself grace on tough days, advocate for yourself with healthcare providers, lean on your support system, and focus on what truly matters to you.
Remember, you’re doing better than you think. If you’re struggling, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Prioritize your well-being and everything else will fall into place. following sentence:
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Rewritten sentence: The lazy dog is jumped over by the quick brown fox.