The Toon have bounced back over the past fortnight after a spell which had speculation suggesting Howe's job was in doubt.
Howe, whose side face Qarabag in the first-leg of their Champions League play-off on Wednesday, said: “There was a lot of thinking, a lot of reflection, as I said I was going to do after that game (defeat to Brentford).
“But it never stops. The reflection’s always there, whether you’re winning or losing – it doesn’t go too far away.
“But even in the really dark moments I’m quite level with my kids and my wife.
“I try not to let my feelings dominate them, and in a sense they pick me up. They give me context, they give me some kind of perspective which is really important in those difficult moments.”
Meanwhile, Howe says his players can always count on his loyalty.
He stated, "If they are giving me everything, I’ll stand by their side to the bitter end. And that relationship between me and the players is so, so important.
“I’ve seen a group of players that have gone through some really tough times here, some really positive times, we’ve enjoyed all sorts of emotions together.
“But the main thing is we’re here for them to execute their best football, try and help them get to that best level.
“It’s been great to see them return to that in the last two games but we want to see that on a consistent basis.”