yes, I can relate. I have been afraid of my anger/rage because I have seen the effects of it on other people. I shut down too when cornered or frightened. My son who is 9 years old crawled into bed with me the other morning after my husband left for work. He must have touched my arm, I hit the ceiling and after that I froze, couldn't move, I wanted to get up but I physically couldn't get out of bed. I had to lay there for awhile, remembering my breathing and trying to get unstuck, it sucks. That is just one time of many. I was just telling my therapist about that the other day. He has seen me freeze before or get defensive, it isn't pretty either way. You aren't alone.