Dormancy is real and shows itself in many different ways so it's definitely possible

We went through this not too long ago, and there are still alters coming in and out of dormancy. I had about 8 years of radio silence which I am learning in therapy was just us being a covert system without me knowing. From what I've been told this is totally normal especially during high stress times.

When we were in middle school I was convinced that hearing alters was letting demons into my soul, so I forcefully stopped all my communication with them. They were always there doing everything normally I just couldn't hear or interact with them anymore. We've also had alters go dormant for many years. I think our record is 6 years of dormancy (although that's only happened to a few alters and it was on an individual basis)

this happens to me too!!! I’ve noticed my symptoms are muuuuch more hard to manage when I’m going through a lot or been in a state of stress for too long. this used to make me think I was faking as well and cause a lot more harm. I feel less alone now!