Generally, persons who face challenges in life muster strength and courage to fight back. The trauma saps the will and energy of a person to such an extent that he may expect help from others without himself putting any effort. What is more, he may succumb to self-pity. Every individual has a right to assistance in times of need. But he also has the first and foremost duty of self-help, helping himself through his own effort. Then only can he expect to rise above the challenge encountered by him.

Self-help is most relevant in the case of shubhankar as the challenge he faces is of long duration. This means, unless and until he takes care of his own mental and physical well-being, obviously through his own initiatives/self-help, he will not be able to help another needy family member, i.e. the shubharthi. Those who take initiatives in meeting their challenges mostly attract attention and assistance from those around them.

When a person who helps himself and is stronger always has an inner urge to help others who face challenges similar to his own. So, mutual help is an offshoot of self-help.