self-help
noun
ˈself-ˈhelp 
Southern also ˈhep
: the action or process of bettering oneself or overcoming one's problems without the aid of others
especially : the coping with one's personal or emotional problems without professional help
self-help adjective
Word History
First Known Use
1628, in the meaning defined above
Legal Definition
self-help
noun
ˈself-ˈhelp
: the act of redressing or preventing a wrong by one's own actions rather than through legal proceedings
Note: The Uniform Commercial Code permits creditors to repossess collateral by self-help if it can be done without a breach of the peace.