Buddhism is not a goal-oriented pursuit. That includes helping yourself and others. The core of Buddhism is to practice - to meditate. That can be very difficult or counterproductive when you are struggling mentally/emotionally. Most teachers will dissuade prospective (or current) students who have emotional problems from serious practice until they get those things sorted out.

It's easy to get hooked on reading about Buddhism (I did long ago) but that is mistaking the proverbial finger pointing at the moon for the moon. From long practice arises compassion, and that helps you and others around you. Reading stimulates intellectual enthusiasm, but that is a blunt tool for helping yourself and others. It's better than TV, just don't put too much weight on it. You don't generate natural compassion by reading.

I'm assuming here, of course, that you have just taken up the study of Buddhism over the past year or two and have not connected with a teacher.

PM me on this at any time. I've been a Zen Buddhist for 25 years.