Mr Pedley, whose clients are mainly women, said women seemed more proactive in dealing with stress.
"That might be reflected in why women often present at doctors."
Men have to be encouraged to do the same, he said.
Regional figures show 17.2 per cent of women felt stressed during the year, compared to 11.1 per cent of men.
Nationally, 17.7 per cent of Kiwis identified as being stressed during the last year, according to the Roy Morgan research.
Groups worst affected by stress were women and younger Kiwis - nearly one-in-four were stressed out - while pensioners were the most chilled.
New Zealand stress guru John McEwan said the figures reflected the financial difficulties faced by many young families and people on restricted incomes, as people tried to tighten their belts.
"Before 2007, people could plan ahead.
"At the moment, and over the last say six years, no one's been able to really plan for more than three to four months ahead.
"People are feeling the threat of 'what could happen'."
Christmas shopping, big family functions and juggling work responsibilities with annual leave could also be a nightmare at this time of year, warned Dr McEwan.
"Things that you have put off all come back to bite you.
"You might have ignored them [family members] but now they expect everyone to play happy families."
And poor holiday planning would only lead to increased anxiety if people tried to cram too much in to their vacation. "On holiday you've got to be equally mentally and physically relaxing.
"But our relaxation needs to be active rather than passive - walking in awesome places, swimming, cycling."
Those over 65 were the least worried group - less than 8 per cent felt stressed in the past year, according to survey results.
Nationally
17.7 per cent of Kiwis
22.1 per cent of women
13.1 per cent of men.
Wanganui-Manawatu
13.8 per cent of residents
17.2 per cent of women
11.1 per cent of men
Source: Roy Morgan
