The former Lille star joined Newcastle in the summer of 2011, and he had a sparkling year ... but the start of this season saw a remarkable drop in form.
Some rumours suggested he was home-sick, and recently their have been interest from French clubs offering a return to his homeland.
But he admits that not having a winter break for the first time in his career took its toll on his body, which led to a bout of depression.
Yohan Cabaye: "Depression? I am not afraid to say that. It was that.
"But I was reassured reading the books of Jonny Wilkinson and Rafael Nadal, who both talked about the same thing.
"They talked about post competition depression and the need to have a break.
"Euro 2012 was the first big international competition I had played. It is completely different than what you could experience in daily life with your club.
"My season was long in a league where the pace is higher than in Le Championnat.
"I started with Newcastle early in July 2011 and finished late in June 2012 and, for the very first time, I didn't have any winter break so then to resume in July 2012, it was very difficult.
"Maybe it is difficult to start again after a big competition such as the Euros, but my body didn't allow me to do what I wanted to do.
"On a morning when I woke up, I could still feel tiredness. I wanted to think about something else rather than football.
"I am lucky to earn a living with my passion, but it was the right moment for a break.
"So my groin injury at the end of the year was finally not such a bad thing. Maybe that is why I was back earlier than expected.
"I asked myself a lot of questions. As long as you didn't experience it [depression] you cannot understand. But I was not worried.
"My injury allowed me to have some rest, meet my family and friends in Lille.
"When I was back in Newcastle in December I knew I felt better, but I never complained to anyone but my entourage.
"When I underwent surgery, I never asked myself if I would find my best level. My only desire was to cure my adductors, not feel any more pain and to be back perfectly fit in 2013.
"Physically I feel perfectly fine now and I am keen to fight for the club.
"I want to give twice as much to save the club from the drop. I want to prove to the fans that they can trust me and I can defend the Newcastle colours.
"Now that episode is over, I have much more fun going to daily training sessions. I realise how lucky I am. I felt that enthusiasm could leave and that is most dangerous."