Self-help is perfectly named. It helps the person selling it. Most self-help gurus are one short step from those who sold Magic Elixirs from covered wagons.

Advice becomes toxic when it's wrongly applied. Organize Your Life sounds innocent enough and should help. But not to someone who is depressed about the loss of a job or a loved one.

Like suggesting someone should stop eating donuts when a malfunctioning Thyroid IS the cause for their weight gain. That advice becomes toxic because it's wrong and carelessly offered for a consultancy fee.

Real help takes time, effort and a good amount of compassion. The toxic stuff might make someone feel smart but they seldom are.