There is a saying, "The proof is in the pudding". If one wants to find a teacher from who to learn to make pudding, the one most likely to give good advice is the one who makes great pudding. The following are links to pages by people who have recovered from depression and other hardships. What better teachers to learn self help from than those who have used it successfully.
Stories of Recovery and Personal Experiences
The Opposite of They Hate Me, Recovery from Schizophrenia