We now suffer more stress and related health problems from the cumulative effects of bad customer service than from other common stresses such as work, family, debt or technology, according to a new report from First Direct.

A massive 87% of respondents say they often feel stress when faced with poor customer service, according to 'From retail therapy to stress therapy', a report examining customer service stress by stress expert, Dr Roger Henderson, consultant adviser.

The result is potentially serious physical and psychological symptoms - such as high blood pressure, palpitations, headaches, nausea, mood swings and anxiety - with a consequent impact on our relationships with friends and family.

The report identified that customers are suffering from "time-sapping". This is when ineffective companies force us to spend our valuable time dealing with mundane service issues, causing feelings of powerlessness and lack of control.

First Direct has identified five customer types and their reactions to dealing with stressful customer service:

The Ostrich: The thought of dealing with bad customer service can be enough to dissuade the Ostrich from tackling it, resulting in a greater amount of stress in the long run. They should do one thing to sort out the problem as soon as it arises.

The Bull: The Bull charges into any conflict situation with energy and self confidence and will not rest until a customer service problem is sorted. However, Bulls should try to keep a perspective when they have been let down by a service provider.

The Dove: The Dove is likely to float above the situation, not avoiding the issues at hand, but not allowing themselves to be affected. But they may be bottling up their emotion, and the lack of urgency may mean some situations are not sorted out as quickly as they could be. An occasional rant will lead to a better result for the Dove.

The Parrott: This personality rants and raves about their bad customer service situations. Having released all their anger to anyone who will listen, they rarely have enough energy left to sort out the problem. Parrotts should channel their energies, working out the practical things they need to do to make the situation work for them.

The Mouse: The mouse rarely complains, however badly they are treated, and on the rare occasion they do, they often end up apologising. But these people may be seething with rage on the inside. A mouse should practice a few phrases to press a service provider to come up with a solution.

One in ten of us (10%) suffer sleepless nights, a similar number (9%) end up in tears, (6%) resort to physical aggression and one in twenty (4%) experience chests pains as a result of poor customer service. Four Fifths (81%) experience frustration and (50%) anger.

Dr Henderson said : "paradoxically, 'retail therapy' is so called due to its potential to promote well being, with the average shopper seeking relief from everyday pressures while enjoying the purchase of new goods or services. But appalling service experiences are adding to the stress levels and making the nation ill"

Why not check your symptom by having mystery customer evaluations undertake covert mystery shops in your units to see what the results are.

Mystery Customer Evaluation Team