I suffer from severe anxiety when alone. My daughter just left home and I am having a hard time functioning. The panic is so overwhelming.

[LenoLes]

I have suffered from panic attacks anytime someone leaves my life.  When my father died, it was the first time.  Then when I went through three divorces, it happened again.  Then along came children.  My son left for college and it happened.  Now my second daughter moved out and I only have my last daughter left.  She is 14.  I can't stand being in the house alone.  I work 3-11 and she is in school all day.  I can barely function.  The panic is unbearable.  I cry and shake and pace and walk inside, walk outside, open doors, close doors, stand, sit, and just cry and am sooo overwhelmed with anxiety I want to jump out of myself.  I can hardly function.  I can't concentrate.  It overtakes me.  I feel so scared and don't know what to do.  When my youngest leaves, I won't be able to be alone.  I need help and don't know what kind or where to go or what to do.  Is there anyone to help me?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Yes, you need help and you can get it...you need a psychiatrist to prescribe some medication  to calm you down, and you need a therapist to talk to so you can master this fear by a fuller and better understanding of why it is so intense..its a normal fear, but in your case is too intense, and certainly related to your history.

[Jaquta]

With appropriate treatment you could address this issue before it becomes an issue with your youngest child.
Often, I think, this happens because we feel so unfulfilled in our own lives.  I think this could be several issues (maybe empty nest syndrome plus issues from your past).  Maybe there is also some guilt about not being available??

Mainly though, I think it is about unresolved issues surrounding the time your father died.  I think it could conjure up fears and anxieties.  Especially if that father-figure has been particularly nurturing and protective.  I guess loss makes us reevaluate our lives and things that are important to us.

I'm having trouble articulating what I'm thinking today so this has come out a mess.

If you get really stuck a family doctor is always a good first point of call.  They should be able to direct you towards appropriate support and treatment.

If you were wanting medication to help with your symptoms then either your family doctor or a psychiatrist.
A psychiatrist could do an assessment at the same time which could be useful.

Primarily though, I believe you would benefit from counseling.  

J