I wrote and directed this film because I wanted to demonstrate a way of coping with depression that I had discovered by way of stumbling and mumbling my way through life. The key for me (note: for me, not for everyone, if anyone) was not to anticipate or encourage a downturn into the "darkness", or the return of "the black dog" (by entertaining dark thoughts, watching cynical things that appeal to my mood bias, or not doing something positive because later my cynicism may see it as being pointless in the grand scheme of things), or conversely, not to anticipate the upturn out of it, not to encourage it even (by forcing myself to "cheer-up"), but just to be present in the moment with the knowledge that the turns will come anyway. To be joyful when joy is called for, to be down when being down is where my mind needs to be. Because the turns will come. And this too shall pass.

I am indebted to my crew and to my co-producer Rachael Castell for delivering all that and more. But it is my cast - Mark Wyman, Natasha Oxley, and Andrew Alston - that makes this film special for me. All of my intentions would have remained just that if they had not embodied their characters and created something that I think is quietly transcending, in a small, kinda twee, yet important way.

Self Help was broadcast on WTTW (Chicago PBS). This prize-winning film was selected by the British Council to represent the "best of British" short films. It was subsequently entered into festivals around the world by the Council. The film was invited to screen for the Depression Alliance on their annual Supporters' Day, and copies of it were sent to the Alliance's branches around the United Kingdom.

A taste of the reviews and comments it received:
'I want to congratulate you. It's beautifully shot and composed. It's a
tenderly felt piece and it's very subtly and well acted. You've done a
lovely job - well done.'
Kenneth Branagh, Academy Award nominated writer/director/actor

'Nicely judged debut fiction, well shot on 35mm, about two people
looking separately to find a way out of depression by attending a
decidedly unpromising motivation class, 'Reclaim Your Impact'. However,
it's the seeding confidence to pursue long-buried childhood dreams that
looks set to prove more productive. A warm-hearted and, one suspects,
autobiographically inflected, look at the kind of gently-stated moment
that just might turn things around.'
TimeOut (London) Magazine

'Quite a feat considering the potentially difficult mental health subject matter.'
Hot Dog Magazine , UK

'In the seven years I've viewed short films entered into this festival,
I've never seen a better screen performance than the one Mark Wyman
gives in your film. If you want to see an exercise in less is more, then
he gives it.'
Nicholas Mason, Selector for the Manhattan Short Film Festival.

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