Jessie James Decker recalls the moment a migraine attack struck while she was headlining a concert. “Every note I sang felt like my head was going to explode,” she said.
Decker has lived with the condition since childhood, initially mistaking the attacks for severe headaches. It wasn't until her husband, former NFL player Eric Decker, noticed a pattern that she sought a full evaluation. At 22, she was formally diagnosed with migraine disease. “It was validating after all those years of not knowing what was going on,” Decker said.
Since her diagnosis, Decker has learned to prioritize self-care over her previous instinct to simply power through the pain. She has identified key triggers, including heavy weight training and an overloaded schedule. “My husband was the one who noticed the connection and said, ‘We have to stop doing this. The heavy weights are hurting you,’” she recalled. She has since modified her workout routine to focus on bodyweight exercises and lighter dumbbells.
Managing her environment is now a critical tool. When an attack is coming, Decker creates a calm space, uses a hot tub, or relies on her husband’s ability to recognize the early signs before she even speaks. “He'll tell me, ‘I've got the kids. Go take care of yourself,’” she said.
Decker regrets delaying professional help due to the overwhelming nature of scheduling appointments and dealing with insurance. She has partnered with AbbVie’s Love in Mind campaign to encourage others to seek personalized care plans. “I want to be an advocate and help spread the message that you don't have to suffer alone or in silence,” Decker stated. She stressed that open communication with family and healthcare providers is essential for managing this invisible condition.