Experiencing intrusive thoughts is a common and normal phenomenon, and it doesn't necessarily mean you were "faking it" if they have calmed down over time. Intrusive thoughts can vary in intensity and frequency for different individuals and can be influenced by various factors, including stress, life events, and overall mental health.
It's important to remember that everyone's mental health journey is unique. Just because your intrusive thoughts have calmed down doesn't invalidate or diminish your past experiences. It's possible that you found effective ways to cope with them, or they naturally subsided over time.
The fact that you had intrusive thoughts for over a year suggests that you were indeed going through a challenging time. It's essential to acknowledge the difficulties you faced during that period and recognize that you may have developed coping mechanisms or received support that contributed to the decrease in intrusive thoughts.
If intrusive thoughts or any other mental health concerns resurface or intensify in the future, it's always a good idea to seek support from a mental health professional. They can help you explore the underlying factors and provide guidance on how to manage them effectively.
Remember, mental health is a complex and evolving aspect of our lives, and it's perfectly normal to experience fluctuations in emotions and thoughts over time. The most crucial thing is to be compassionate towards yourself and continue seeking support if needed.