How does fear relate to helplessness and vulnerability?

For most of us, after an initial shock wears off, the mind tries to raise its old defenses, but often they don't work anymore. The impact of stress is too great; the emotions welling up refuse to be pushed down again. When you find that you have no defense against your own fear, you begin to feel vulnerable. In many ways it is healthy to feel vulnerable. It shows that you are not cut off, either from yourself or others. But the feeling of helplessness is extremely difficult to live with. This alone can raise dread, and the mind struggles to regain control.