Shattered Kingdoms

First time playing a shaman, so first time really noticing how prevalent this seems to be.
I have been repeatedly killed under odd circumstances by NPC's that fury, bash, kip up, and taunt.
Really the first three I could handle, but losing concentration on spells (why is spirit aura dropped before sanctuary but after water breathing?) and being incapable of healing after being taunted by these bashing, heavy damage dealing creatures have ended my life while exploring on numerous occasion now. Even with groups, taking a 2nd rank position has ended badly with dragons, fytrysks, and elementals reaching, and taunting, making me incapable of healing even after being rescued, and unable to follow when the formation retreats.
Just wondering if I should be expecting this in pretty much every difficult area of the game?

Every area no. If I remember right, if you don't have enough concentration, you lose the heaviest concentration first. I reserve the right to be very wrong about this though.