When most people think of Jessie James Decker, they picture a powerhouse performer, entrepreneur, television personality, cookbook author, fashion brand founder, and devoted wife and mother of four. What they may not see is the invisible struggle she has quietly managed for much of her life: migraine.

As June marks Migraine Awareness Month, Decker is using her platform to share her personal experience through her partnership with AbbVie’s Love in Mind™ campaign, an initiative designed to raise awareness about the emotional impact migraine can have on relationships and encourage meaningful conversations between patients, loved ones, and healthcare providers.

For Decker, the campaign feels deeply personal.

“I’ve had migraine for as long as I can remember,” she shared. “I really started noticing it in middle school. These headaches felt stronger than headaches, and they interfered with my life quite a bit.”

Like many people living with migraine, Decker spent years without answers. It wasn’t until she met her husband, former NFL wide receiver Eric Decker, that someone recognized a pattern.

“He noticed what was happening and said, ‘Have you ever gotten that checked out?’ He helped me find a doctor, and after a long evaluation, the doctor looked at me and said, ‘You have migraine.’”

The diagnosis was both surprising and validating.

“I remember thinking, ‘What? I have migraine? Isn’t that just a headache?’ But he explained that it was much more than that.”

That moment marked the beginning of a journey that continues today, more than fifteen years later.

The Power of Having Someone in Your Corner

One theme surfaced repeatedly throughout our conversation: support matters.

Decker credits her husband for helping her recognize her symptoms, seek medical care, and navigate the condition throughout their relationship.

“I’ve been so lucky and blessed to have such a supportive partner,” she said. “Not everyone has that kind of support system, and that makes me sad because I can’t imagine going through this alone.”

She believes migraine advocacy is not just for those experiencing the condition. It’s also a message for family members, friends, and partners.

“This is a message to loved ones, too. Take it seriously. Be there for them. Be their support system because this is no fun to go through alone, especially if you’re not getting validation from the people around you.”

For Decker, understanding and validation can make all the difference.

Balancing Family, Business, and Health

Anyone familiar with Decker’s career knows she rarely slows down.

Beyond music, she manages a fashion brand, a cookware line, television projects, and numerous business ventures. Yet despite her demanding schedule, she remains grounded by one guiding principle.

“I put my family at the top of the pyramid,” she said. “They’re always number one.”

That mindset helps her make difficult decisions and maintain balance while protecting her health.

“I try not to overload everything into one day because stress can certainly trigger migraine. I have my hands in a lot of things because I love being creative, but I also have to balance it well and have a really good team around me.”

Her approach serves as a reminder that productivity and self-care do not have to be opposing forces.

Learning to Speak Up

Perhaps the most powerful message Decker shared was directed toward those who feel isolated in their migraine journey.

Her advice was simple but firm.

“Speak up.”

She encouraged people to stop minimizing their pain and stop apologizing for it.

“If you’re feeling it, say it,” she explained. “People need to know. If you don’t say it, they don’t know.”

Too often, invisible illnesses are dismissed because symptoms are not obvious to others.

“I have a migraine, and I’m unable to do this today,” she said. “It’s as simple as that. Stand firm. Be confident in what you have to say and how you’re feeling.”

According to Decker, self-advocacy is not selfish. It’s necessary.

“This is your health, and that’s the most important thing. If you don’t feel good, how are you supposed to give your best? You can’t.”

Vulnerability Is Strength

Despite her public image as an energetic performer and entrepreneur, Decker wants people to understand that she faces challenges just like everyone else.

“I’m a happy-go-lucky girl, and I love spreading joy,” she said. “But I struggle with migraine, and I’m a normal human being.”

Her willingness to share that reality stems from a belief that vulnerability can help others.

“It’s okay to express how you’re feeling. It’s not a sign of weakness. I actually think it’s a sign of strength.”

She hopes that by sharing her own experiences, others will feel empowered to seek help and speak openly about their struggles.

“It encourages someone to get the help they need so they can feel their best.”

A Message for Middle School Jessie

When asked what she would tell her younger self, the middle school girl who knew something was wrong but didn’t yet have answers, Decker paused thoughtfully.

“I would tell her that what she’s feeling is not just a headache.”

Then came a message that will likely resonate with countless readers still searching for validation today.

“I would tell her she will be validated very soon. Trust yourself. Trust that you’re paying attention to the signs and listening to your body.”

It was a powerful reminder that sometimes our bodies know something long before a diagnosis confirms it.

Taking the First Step

For those looking for information or support, Decker recommends starting with the Love in Mind campaign website.

“There is a lot of amazing information there,” she said.

She also emphasized the importance of having open and honest conversations with healthcare providers.

“You’ve got to go in there. You’ve got to tell them everything that’s happening and work together to figure out a plan that’s best for you.”

One particularly valuable feature of the campaign is its focus on creating a personalized care plan, empowering individuals to advocate for themselves and actively participate in their healthcare decisions.

As Decker noted, “If nothing changes, nothing changes.”

Finding Peace

At the end of our conversation, I asked Decker one final question.

Outside of music, business, and motherhood, what does a perfect migraine-free day look like?

Her answer came quickly.

“Being on the beach with my family.”

Simple. Grounded. Peaceful.

For someone whose life often moves at full speed, that image captures what matters most: health, family, and being fully present with the people she loves.

And perhaps that is the heart of Decker’s message.

Listen to your body. Speak up for yourself. Accept support when it’s offered. And never mistake vulnerability for weakness.

For more information and resources about migraine, visit LoveInMind.com.

If you or someone you know is living with migraine, June’s Migraine Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that help, support, and understanding are available and that no one has to navigate the journey alone.