I am having a difficult time concentrating and ...

How to Recognize the signs and symptoms of Depression.

Depression is a real disorder that can greatly limit you from reaching your potential. Screening for the signs of depression will help you recognize if you have it. If more than 3 signs are present you should speak with your doctor.
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Ask about changes in sleep. Depression often leads to a decrease in the number of hours of sleep at night time. There may also be an increase in the amount of time you sleep during the day.

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  Step 2
  Ask about decreased interest in things that used to be enjoyable that are no longer there. Depression causes us to quit hobbies and other things that used to be enjoyed.
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  Step 3
  Ask about feelings of guilt which is another screening marker. Having feelings of guilt can occur during depression and a feeling of worthlessness.
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  Step 4
  Look for decreases in energy that happens when depression is present. People with depression often report feeling fatigued through out the day without having done much.
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  Step 5
  Question about decreases in concentration that often occur when depression is present. There will be difficulty completing tasks and focusing.
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  Step 6
  Appetite changes are another common sign of depression. Typical the changes from depression causes a decrease in appetite but some people notice an increase in appetite. Wither can be a sign of depression.
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  Step 7
  Slowing of the body' s movements such as when walking, dressing, or performing other daily tasks can also be a sign of depression. This is a sign of depression that is easy to recognize without having to question anyone.
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  Step 8
  Unfortunately the last sign of depression is suicidal thoughts or attempts. It may be difficult to assess this but you have to ask who ever you are screening if this is something that is present. This is the most concerning factor in depression and should not be overlooked...
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  How to Effectively Manage Free Time
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  First of all, relieving stress can be a great way to prevent procrastinating important tasks, and greatly improve your time management. I know, for me personally, being stressed out can be my primary excuse for putting off what I'd like, or I need to do. One good way to relieve some stress is to get exercise early in the day, before doing anything else. A treadmill could make a great investment. It'll also give you a good deal of extra energy throughout the day. Another good way to relieve some stress is to set aside some time every day to go outside, the sun is an impressive stress-reliever. If you can better manage stress, than it may help you better manage your time.
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  Secondly, to make time management more realistic, try to figure out what it is you're trying to accomplish. Think very long term goals, even if they're not realistic, it'll give a good starting point. Make a list of yearly and monthly goals, try to make these slightly more specific than your long term goals. And finally, make a daily to-do list. Include entertainment for the day. This can be a huge help for concentrating your energy into the specified tasks. And after, you can rest and be assured that your time was well placed. If you're having trouble keeping up with daily tasks, try searching on Google for some Time Management Software, it might be able to help out.
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  Step 3
  Lastly, remember to praise yourself for every success, however small. After finishing difficult tasks, give yourself well deserved breaks, snacks, whatever can keep you motivated for the day. Time management can go a long way towards helping you achieve your greatest desires. Good luck!

Have you had a hormone panel done or had your thyroid checked? Depending on your age you may be facing some of the challenges of menopause.

If you have had this problem for a year and a half, did something happen around that time to cause this?   Did you start taking a new medicine or start taking vitamines or herbal products?  If you can't remember anything different from that time, you might need to see your doctor.  It could be something as simple as a chemical imbalance in your body. Hope you feel better soon 

In addition to these great answers, have your blood pressure checked. Your blood pressure, if it's high, it can cause problems with your memory and thought process. It can also be the reason for your headaches. I went through some of the same things that you discribe. Depression, headaches, body aches, mood swings, sleep deprivation, lack of concentration, memory loss, and PTSD. All related to an accident that almost took my life years ago. What are your doctors doing for you?

Dear Lynn, Sounds to me like you have fibromyalgia.  It took me over a year to get diagnosed & 8 Doctors later.  Key are the pains in your back and shoulders plus headaches.  Everything else you describe are symptoms also.  If possible visit a pain specialist as they are knowledgeable about this syndrome.   Mostly you have to treat the symptoms and though it takes a long time to get over it the first two years are the worst.  After that you slowly improve.  Your first line of defense is antidepressants as they dull the pain and help with the depression associated with chronic pain.  There is a lot of info. on the internet about this chronic pain disorder and I would advise you to read it.  Also, there are fibromyalgia support groups in most cities.  Good luck.