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Self-Help for the Helpless: A Beginner’s Guide to Personal Development, Understanding Self-care, and Becoming Your Authentic Self
Have you ever felt helpless? Are you struggling to understand why you feel disconnected from your friends or family? Are you mystified by the words self-help, self-care, and personal development? Are you looking for answers but really have no idea where to begin?
In this beginner’s guide to personal developmental and understanding self-care, Shelley Wilson will show you how looking after your own needs can be a powerful tool for your mental, physical, and emotional health so you can begin making important changes today.
Discover what self-help means, how to become more self-aware, understand core values, and have fun mapping out what your best life looks like. Shelley includes tips, tools, and techniques and shares her 31-day self-help toolkit.
Be the person you deserve to be and join bestselling self-help author and award-winning personal development blogger Shelley Wilson on a journey of self-discovery and recovery.
In this beginner’s guide to personal developmental and understanding self-care, Shelley Wilson will show you how looking after your own needs can be a powerful tool for your mental, physical, and emotional health so you can begin making important changes today.
Discover what self-help means, how to become more self-aware, understand core values, and have fun mapping out what your best life looks like. Shelley includes tips, tools, and techniques and shares her 31-day self-help toolkit.
Be the person you deserve to be and join bestselling self-help author and award-winning personal development blogger Shelley Wilson on a journey of self-discovery and recovery.
108 pages, Paperback
Published December 2, 2021
1 person is currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Wilson
28 books106 followersShelley Wilson is a genre straddling English author of romance, historical fiction, motivational self-help titles, and young adult fantasy/supernatural fiction.
She's published nine non-fiction self-help books including her bestseller - How I Changed My Life in a Year - eight young adult (YA) novels. Book one of her werewolf series was a finalist in the RONE YA Book of the Year Awards and has been combined and re-released with book two under the new title - Hood Academy. Her debut romance was an RNA Awards Finalist 2025
Shelley lives in the West Midlands, UK, with her three children. She has a crazy black cat called Luna and is obsessed with vampires, Tudor and Viking history, and exploring castles.
Find her on:
Facebook www.facebook.com/FantasyAuthorSLWilson
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@shelleywilson...
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/authorslwil...
She's published nine non-fiction self-help books including her bestseller - How I Changed My Life in a Year - eight young adult (YA) novels. Book one of her werewolf series was a finalist in the RONE YA Book of the Year Awards and has been combined and re-released with book two under the new title - Hood Academy. Her debut romance was an RNA Awards Finalist 2025
Shelley lives in the West Midlands, UK, with her three children. She has a crazy black cat called Luna and is obsessed with vampires, Tudor and Viking history, and exploring castles.
Find her on:
Facebook www.facebook.com/FantasyAuthorSLWilson
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@shelleywilson...
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/authorslwil...
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 6, 2021
This is a very short little self help book. It's optimistic and the author speaks to you as if you are a friend, but I'm not sure how helpful it will be for everyone. Wilson is in the UK and makes some assumptions about her readers being similar to her. I think it will be most helpful to young adult women with adequate means, some help and support, who live in the UK or similar places. She ran a spa for several years and offered services like aromatherapy, reiki and reflexology, and she recommends these practices and many others. I am not opposed to those and would enjoy most of the ones she mentions, but very little of it is offered within hours of where I live. Most of the services are also fairly costly, which will be a barrier for many.
Wilson talks the reader through ideas about finding what's most important to you and discusses motivation. She also provides a list of 31 self help practices to pamper yourself or give yourself pleasure. I didn't get any great ideas from these but she says you can also swap them out. She says that we should view depression as a habit more than an illness, which many will vehemently disagree with.
I think this is a sort of "lite" book that will be helpful for those who are new to self help and have manageable sadness and lethargy. It is very short, which may be helpful for people who don't want a long trudge of a book but may make others feel ripped off. There are bits that I enjoyed -- lists of words you use to pick your most important things in life, questions to help brainstorm about what you should start doing with your life, things like that. I'd recommend skimming it to see if it will be a good fit for you.
I read a digital ARC of this book via Net Galley.
Wilson talks the reader through ideas about finding what's most important to you and discusses motivation. She also provides a list of 31 self help practices to pamper yourself or give yourself pleasure. I didn't get any great ideas from these but she says you can also swap them out. She says that we should view depression as a habit more than an illness, which many will vehemently disagree with.
I think this is a sort of "lite" book that will be helpful for those who are new to self help and have manageable sadness and lethargy. It is very short, which may be helpful for people who don't want a long trudge of a book but may make others feel ripped off. There are bits that I enjoyed -- lists of words you use to pick your most important things in life, questions to help brainstorm about what you should start doing with your life, things like that. I'd recommend skimming it to see if it will be a good fit for you.
I read a digital ARC of this book via Net Galley.
December 10, 2021
A self help book!
Self-Help for the Helpless is a little cracker of a book because Shelley Wilson guides her readers to accept responsibility for their own health, success and well being whilst providing practical and accessible ways to change their lives for the better. It’s a no nonsense book that had me nodding in agreement and realising I CAN do something to improve my life the way I’d like. Shelley Wilson writes with such engagement and honesty about her own self-discovery that she is totally inspirational.
Self-Help for the Helpless is written in a conversational style the makes the reader feel as if a close friend is supporting them along their path to a happier and more fulfilled life. Little touches of humour are interspersed with honest and revealing aspects from the author’s own life so that Shelley Wilson really does practice what she advocates here, giving an authenticity to her advice that makes it all the more effective. I loved the references to ‘should’ because it felt as if Shelley Wilson had been listening in to many a conversation I’ve had and the ‘advice’ I’ve been given. Here Self-Help for the Helpless gave me permission to be myself and provided the practical tools I might need to achieve that balance.
In amongst the celebrity books about mental health or the plethora of self help manuals littering bookshops, Self-Help for the Helpless is a quiet, practical oasis of calm that I found motivating and inspiring.
Now, where’s that wretched internal parrot because I want a word with it!
Self-Help for the Helpless is a little cracker of a book because Shelley Wilson guides her readers to accept responsibility for their own health, success and well being whilst providing practical and accessible ways to change their lives for the better. It’s a no nonsense book that had me nodding in agreement and realising I CAN do something to improve my life the way I’d like. Shelley Wilson writes with such engagement and honesty about her own self-discovery that she is totally inspirational.
Self-Help for the Helpless is written in a conversational style the makes the reader feel as if a close friend is supporting them along their path to a happier and more fulfilled life. Little touches of humour are interspersed with honest and revealing aspects from the author’s own life so that Shelley Wilson really does practice what she advocates here, giving an authenticity to her advice that makes it all the more effective. I loved the references to ‘should’ because it felt as if Shelley Wilson had been listening in to many a conversation I’ve had and the ‘advice’ I’ve been given. Here Self-Help for the Helpless gave me permission to be myself and provided the practical tools I might need to achieve that balance.
In amongst the celebrity books about mental health or the plethora of self help manuals littering bookshops, Self-Help for the Helpless is a quiet, practical oasis of calm that I found motivating and inspiring.
Now, where’s that wretched internal parrot because I want a word with it!
December 6, 2021
This short and quick read packs a punch in understanding the concept of self-help in terms of self care. While most self-help books and videos tell you to live a certain way, Wilson’s approach focuses on the individual, without comparisons on what should or must be done. Her toolkit is personal, causing the reader to introspect on what matters to us, where we are, and where we can go from here with what we have. The book includes a series of checklists on various topics, as Wilson guides the reader along. She addresses core values, mental, physical and emotional health. The exercises are engaging and ensure the reader doesn’t merely finish reading the book, but apply the mentioned concepts to life. Because that’s what self-help is about – taking action with the information in hand. Self care is a continual effort, and one book or one session with a life coach won’t solve all your problems. The lessons in Self-help for the Helpless can be applied differently at different stages of life.
The book works well as a toolkit or journal – answering questions about different aspects of life at regular intervals. The advice isn’t new or revolutionary. It’s the things we know but don’t think about until someone points them out. Worth a read for an introduction into the concept of self care, and for the guides that can be referred to for future use.
The book works well as a toolkit or journal – answering questions about different aspects of life at regular intervals. The advice isn’t new or revolutionary. It’s the things we know but don’t think about until someone points them out. Worth a read for an introduction into the concept of self care, and for the guides that can be referred to for future use.
December 3, 2021
Self-Help for the Helpless is relevant to everyone. We may all experience this feeling during stressful life events such as bereavement, break-ups, redundancy etc. The book is full of great tips, advice and techniques.
The author shares an honest account of her own story, which led her to write this book. Throughout the book it's clear that she's is talking from experience and encourages the reader to not just read her book but to actually take action.
I enjoyed reading the definitions for self-help, self-awareness and self-care early on in the book. This helped me massively to understand the differences and what approach to use when. As the author points out ‘It’s not all about bubble baths and duvet days!’.
Well worth a read. This would also make a thoughtful gift to buy for a loved one if they are going through challenges.
Thanks to Random Things Tours, the author and BHC Press for my digital copy of this book for my honest review.
The author shares an honest account of her own story, which led her to write this book. Throughout the book it's clear that she's is talking from experience and encourages the reader to not just read her book but to actually take action.
I enjoyed reading the definitions for self-help, self-awareness and self-care early on in the book. This helped me massively to understand the differences and what approach to use when. As the author points out ‘It’s not all about bubble baths and duvet days!’.
Well worth a read. This would also make a thoughtful gift to buy for a loved one if they are going through challenges.
Thanks to Random Things Tours, the author and BHC Press for my digital copy of this book for my honest review.
November 11, 2021
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
While I appreciate that the author notes that there's the right time for the right self help book, this book wasn't for me.
The author shares her story and what pushed her to turn her life around. She talks about how others can do the same. While I think the premise of this book is good, it really focuses on being positive and seems to say that you just choose to put time and effort into making your life better and it happens...which isn't always true. There also seems to be a cultural difference since it seems like the author is in the UK and as an American reader advice like get acupuncture or a massage isn't exactly helpful. A lot of this book assumes that people have both the time and money to take better care of themselves and just need to assert the effort, which isn't always true.
This book has some advice if you're looking for ways to change your life. For trauma, mental illness, and general burnout this kind of advice may not really be helpful.
While I appreciate that the author notes that there's the right time for the right self help book, this book wasn't for me.
The author shares her story and what pushed her to turn her life around. She talks about how others can do the same. While I think the premise of this book is good, it really focuses on being positive and seems to say that you just choose to put time and effort into making your life better and it happens...which isn't always true. There also seems to be a cultural difference since it seems like the author is in the UK and as an American reader advice like get acupuncture or a massage isn't exactly helpful. A lot of this book assumes that people have both the time and money to take better care of themselves and just need to assert the effort, which isn't always true.
This book has some advice if you're looking for ways to change your life. For trauma, mental illness, and general burnout this kind of advice may not really be helpful.
November 14, 2021
I can definitely see how this book will be helpful to those who feel helpless. Shelley Wilson does a thorough job at providing resources, tried and true tricks for improving attitude and self-worth, and offering advice for those interested in self-help. There are many great books out there to help the downtrodden, and Self-Help for the Helpless will hopefully rise to the top of the list. Thank you NetGalley for this advanced eCopy.
November 23, 2021
This book takes an empathetic approach and gives bite size approaches and allows you to have kindness and patience with yourself when dealing with life. This is so necessary for everyone to read in life. Highly recommend. Especially loved the reflection to true life to humanize my feelings and relate. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 3, 2021
*DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*.
2.5/5 stars
As the author of this book says, you don't think much about self-help until your life starts becoming more and more difficult. It was the same for me too. It was when I realised that my "bad days" were starting to outnumber the "good" ones that I started giving self-help books a chance.
I extremely appreciated the intro of this book, and the honesty that Shelley Wilson showed. She said that there is a right time for every self-help book, and that the "right" book to read depends on the questions you need an answer for in that exact moment. Moreover, it was comforting to hear that self-help shouldn't be as overwhelming or as complicated as it seems.
This said, I feel like this book isn't exactly what I was looking for. It was nice to have some general information about the general elements related to self-help, but considering my personality I'm afraid it was a bit too vague and not structured enough.
The exercises offered in a book were enjoyable, If you're curious about self-help and you'd like to receive some tips on how to start your self-help travel this book might help you. However, considering the situation I'm in right now I suppose I needed something specific and not so general.
2.5/5 stars
As the author of this book says, you don't think much about self-help until your life starts becoming more and more difficult. It was the same for me too. It was when I realised that my "bad days" were starting to outnumber the "good" ones that I started giving self-help books a chance.
I extremely appreciated the intro of this book, and the honesty that Shelley Wilson showed. She said that there is a right time for every self-help book, and that the "right" book to read depends on the questions you need an answer for in that exact moment. Moreover, it was comforting to hear that self-help shouldn't be as overwhelming or as complicated as it seems.
This said, I feel like this book isn't exactly what I was looking for. It was nice to have some general information about the general elements related to self-help, but considering my personality I'm afraid it was a bit too vague and not structured enough.
The exercises offered in a book were enjoyable, If you're curious about self-help and you'd like to receive some tips on how to start your self-help travel this book might help you. However, considering the situation I'm in right now I suppose I needed something specific and not so general.
March 6, 2022
Overall, this did not meet my expectations. There are some pearls that I will take away, so I will credit where credit is due, but this read leaves much to be desired, in my opinion.
The author begins by sharing her story, her vulnerabilities, and her interest in focusing on self-help, which I appreciate. After this, though, a large portion of the writing feels like she is sharing her entire CV down and how she motivated herself to accomplish these tasks. To me this seemed counterproductive to the whole writing, sharing her successes, rather than working to empower others. Again, she does empower readers throughout the book some, but I feel like the balance shifts towards her egocentric stories, and the entire writing could be more reader-centric.
Another significant criticism I have throughout the read is how the author often references her own writings, often revamping these concepts. It feels like she is trying to fill space by rewriting concepts from her previous books. My perception is this makes the writing feel "forced", like she doesn't have enough new ideas, she has to recycle older ideas, in order to sell books (she even has this reference in the book).
I have decided on 3 stars because there are some pearls and I don't think the entire read is counterproductive. However, to any potential readers reading my review, I suspect another book within this genre would be a better investment of time.
These comments are mine without influence.
The author begins by sharing her story, her vulnerabilities, and her interest in focusing on self-help, which I appreciate. After this, though, a large portion of the writing feels like she is sharing her entire CV down and how she motivated herself to accomplish these tasks. To me this seemed counterproductive to the whole writing, sharing her successes, rather than working to empower others. Again, she does empower readers throughout the book some, but I feel like the balance shifts towards her egocentric stories, and the entire writing could be more reader-centric.
Another significant criticism I have throughout the read is how the author often references her own writings, often revamping these concepts. It feels like she is trying to fill space by rewriting concepts from her previous books. My perception is this makes the writing feel "forced", like she doesn't have enough new ideas, she has to recycle older ideas, in order to sell books (she even has this reference in the book).
I have decided on 3 stars because there are some pearls and I don't think the entire read is counterproductive. However, to any potential readers reading my review, I suspect another book within this genre would be a better investment of time.
These comments are mine without influence.
January 12, 2022
Digital ARC provided by Netgalley
The book is mainly what the title suggests. I liked the approach of the author. The structure by chapters is very easy and she uses some common terms to explain the basics of self-development and how to reach a better version of oneself. For sure each of the topics she discusses can be richly studied and researched. However, the book was a nice read for me and I can recommend it to some of my patients.
It is a nice start if you want to change the way you act and the bad habits or bad thoughts you have about yourself or about life and those surrounding you.
The book is mainly what the title suggests. I liked the approach of the author. The structure by chapters is very easy and she uses some common terms to explain the basics of self-development and how to reach a better version of oneself. For sure each of the topics she discusses can be richly studied and researched. However, the book was a nice read for me and I can recommend it to some of my patients.
It is a nice start if you want to change the way you act and the bad habits or bad thoughts you have about yourself or about life and those surrounding you.
April 17, 2022
Wonderfully practical, easy to read book that is useable, honest and authentic. It’s not pitched at a high level, it’s very much for the person who you will likely walk past in the supermarket who may look to all intents and purposes as though they are ok but inside they are fighting a massive battle. This book, for me, is a gem that you can return to again and again. Me? I’ll try to pick a page a day and take one phrase or action from that.
December 2, 2024
This book is ideal for those who need in changing their thinking patterns, habits and processes. Good for those who are struggling with depression and anxiety. I struggled to understand the processes due to my unmedicated ADHD and ASD and complex-ptsd. If I was medicated I feel that I would be able to focus and understand and process of what I need to follow with self help
January 7, 2022
This is a very short book on how to stop feeling worthless and get back on the track that we want for ourselves. This is a great book with short decisive ways to make your life the one that you want.
May 23, 2022
I could've written that, but I didn't.
January 26, 2025
I read this for a bingo space in one of my book groups. I didn’t find a huge amount of it that I felt personally helpful. I did like some of her tips, but I felt like a lot of the book was about her personally. If I heard “single mother” one more time I felt like I was going to scream.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews