Oh yea, keep your mouth shut and don’t admit to anything.
Your lawyer will thank you.
There is no harm and often great benefit in putting into the record facts that favor your defense, such as your perception of the seriousness of the threat. The court will not look favorably on intentional obfuscation of basic facts, and a good prosecutor will know how to turn such obstinacy against you. As in any war, the skillful general will not attempt to fight on all fronts, only those which, taken together, assure victory. In self defense, an immediate, on the spot declaration of your fear of serious harm or death to yourself or a family member is a very good and useful thing if you want to win. But beyond that, yes, just ask for your lawyer. He/ she will work out with you what to admit and what not to admit.