Identifying What Causes Anxiety
As I continue my anxiety journey (ha!) I'm learning more about myself and all the things that make my anxiety peak. One of my main triggers is my son. Well, that sounds bad. I love him. He's wonderful. My main trigger is being a mom. I want to take care of my child. Help him. Protect him. That was easy when he was little. But he's 17. I can't be the same mom I was when he was 7.
That is hitting me really hard. He's becoming an adult. And he has to learn how to deal with problems in life. Because I won't always be there. But it's terrifying for me. When he's at school I'm okay, generally, but that time between the end of school and when he comes home, I freak out. My anxiety goes up to a 7 easily, because I sit here and think "did he have a good day?" "Is he feeling bad or down?" I don't want him to hurt, or be sad, or feel bad. And for some reason, this year, I am finally understanding that, as a mom, I can't protect him from being hurt, or sad, or feeling bad.
That just makes me feel terrible. And anxious, and stressed. I was really fine until this year. And now it's all hitting me. He's driving on his own, doing things on his own, and soon will graduate and go to college, and I am just freaking out about it.
Being a mom is hard.
@thoughtfulmomma
Being a mum is hard, but it sounds like you're doing a wonderful job even if you don't see it! 
I think worrying about their child is a natural thing for a mother, after all you've brought them up since they were fully dependant on you. Watching them transition into an adult, becoming independent and doing things on their own must be really difficult. Though I'm sure he doesn't love you any less!
Have you tried speaking to him about your worries?
Also, I'm not sure what Sub-Communities you are already a part of, however, if you haven't already I would totally recommend you check out the Family & Caregiver Support sub-community. Everyone in there is so kind, caring and non-judgemental and you may be more likely to find other parents who are going through or have went through a similar situation/thought process. 
@Sealiously
I haven't talked to him about it deeply. I just let him know that moms will always worry about their children, no matter how old they are. I don't want him to know my fears (rational or irrational). I want him to grow up knowing we support him, but that we want him to become independent and do great things outside of our family, too.
It'll get easier....probably in 20 or 30 more years. :)
The various things that make my anxiety skyrocket are:
Worrying bout the future...I wont have enuf money for retirement.
Being alone.
The overwhelming amount of work.. without seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.