A NEWLY released study has shown maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a source of stress for about 40% of Australians.

Almost 50% of women surveyed said that trying to stay fit and healthy was a cause of stress compared to only 33% of men.

This week is National Psychology Week.

Bridges Recovery for Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol CEO and psychologist Sharon Sarah has advised people dealing with stress to seek help earlier rather than later.

"Don't wait 'til it's too late," Ms Sarah said.

"People could benefit from psychologists' help much earlier and be equipped with the tools necessary to deal with their problems."

National Psychology Week aims to show communities there are proven approaches used by psychologists to help people overcome the challenges they can face.

The Stress and Wellbeing Survey 2012 showed that 52% of 18- to 25-year-olds were particularly vulnerable to stress in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Bundaberg psychologist Tracy Bauer said that made sense, with younger people studying at high school and university.

"At this time of year, of course, we have students sitting their end-of-year exams and this can be an extremely stressful time in their lives," she said.

She added people were under the assumption there was nothing they could do and they simply had to grin and bear it.

"There are long-term strategies we can teach people to identify triggers and establish routines," she said.

Ms Sarah said Australians were working long hours and had yet to master the ability to take time out for themselves.

"Most of the causes of stress are related to work, finance and relationships," Ms Sarah said. "It's about people having some control over their lives."

Ms Sarah said the focus locally would be to promote diversity in psychology.

"We want to introduce it to the community and future students and make them aware of the different fields of psychology which is quite broad," Ms Sarah said.

She added that a Think Well Be Well seminar would be held tonight at CQUniversity.

"It will be a round-robin with psychologists from different fields talking about their day-to-day job and what their career prospects are."

SEMINAR

WHAT: Think Well Be Well seminar

WHERE: CQUniversity, Branyan

WHEN: Tonight 6pm