diff --git a/speedtest.py b/speedtest.py
index 6a9af24..c01942d 100755
--- a/speedtest.py
+++ b/speedtest.py
@@ -1203,7 +1203,7 @@ def shell():
         SCHEME = 'https'
 
     debug = getattr(args, 'debug', False)
-    if debug:
+    if debug and debug != 'SUPPRESSHELP':
         DEBUG = True
 
     # Pre-cache the user agent string