What is MIELI Mental Health Finland?

MIELI is the oldest non-governmental organisation dedicated to mental health in the world, and its mission is to promote mental health and prevent mental health issues. MIELI defends the universal right to good mental health. MIELI Mental Health Finland is a non-profit non-governmental organisation the activities which are mainly financed by public funds.

What is World Suicide Prevention day and why is it celebrated?

The aim of World Suicide Prevention day is not only to normalise talking about suicidal thoughts, but also to encourage people to ask each other: “How are you?” Talking about suicidal thoughts still involves a lot of stigma, which, in the worst case scenario, may lead to people being left alone with their dark thoughts.

Can I personally take part in and support suicide prevention efforts?

Anyone can support suicide prevention efforts, and even completely free of charge. All you have to do is ask someone how they’re doing. This is a question that is just as important for us to ask ourselves. Simply being there and listening can often help save a life. Another way to help is to encourage people around us to talk about self-destructive thoughts, thus breaking the culture of silence that surrounds them.

You can also financially support suicide prevention efforts by making a donation at mitakuuluu.fi.

If I or someone I know has suicidal thoughts, where can I go for help?

In an acute crisis situation, you must always call the emergency number (112).

In other cases, you can contact the Crisis Helpline (09 2525 0111), the Sekaisin chat, a crisis centre or a suicide prevention centre. You can also find help at tukinet.net.

What is the idea behind the campaign and what does it aim to achieve?

The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the significantly increased risk of suicide among some minority groups compared to the rest of the population. Its purpose is not to spread gloom, but to bring out the importance of hope. However, suicidal thoughts do not only affect minorities, and that is why we also address all people in Finland during the campaign. The campaign will be a success if it manages to save even one life.

What is the campaign’s target group and how has this been taken into account in its planning and implementation?

The primary target group is minorities. However, belonging to a minority is something that is not always visible from the outside. That is why we wanted to bring people from different groups to the heart of campaign – both on camera and on the computer screen. We want to show the people who are the face of our campaign in the way they want to be s

Another of our target groups is all people who have suicidal thoughts or have people close to them who have suicidal thoughts.

How was AI used in the song?

As part of its background research, MIELI asked people from minority groups to describe the songs that give them hope in difficult times. The data collected through the survey was used to teach two neural networks that use AI. AI used the data to create the first versions of both the music and lyrics.

What value does AI add?

The song represents hope for people from minority groups and, consequently, it was especially important that it was not based solely on the subjective views of its makers.

AI enabled us to create completely new music and lyrics that were based on the data from the survey.

Which AI tools were used in the planning and implementation?

The lyrics were created using Open AI's GPT-3 neural network, which uses deep learning to produce text. The music was generated using the Jukebox neural network, also by Open AI, which is capable of producing audio files.

How does the material produced by AI feature in the song and the campaign?

The team of writers looked for the right ambience in the references created by AI, the songs and themes brought up by the research, and combined these with their personal experiences and insights.

The chord changes in the verses were built from chords created by AI, and AI music is sampled directly into some details. The story of the lyrics is based on the AI texts, and both direct quotes from AI and references were used.

The material says that you taught the AI system using data. What kind of data? How and from whom were the data collected?

MIELI asked people who have tried to commit suicide and people from minority groups to say which songs have given them hope in difficult times. The data consisted of almost 200 songs. The data were collected completely anonymously using an e-questionnaire. The questionnaire was given to MIELI’s networks and customers of MIELI’s suicide prevention centre.

Who is behind the song?

Performed by: Heviteemu, eetu, Ida Paul
Written by: Teemu Javanainen, Ida Paul, Jussi Tiainen
Produced by: Heviteemu
Mixed by: Kalle Keskikuru
Mastered by: Arttu Peljo

Why were these particular artists chosen?

We wanted to bring in artists and writers to this project for whom the campaign and the song’s message are meaningful. One of the main aims of the lyrics was to allow the listener to relate to the singer, and the best way to achieve this was to use writers and singers who know what they are talking about and were able to share their personal experiences in the song to support the AI input. Everyone in the team was very happy with the song and can see the importance of its purpose.

Where can I listen to the song?

Behind My Smile is available on YouTubesta.

Were the artists paid and what happens to the proceeds from the song?

Industry standard compensation was paid for the writing, composition, arrangement and production of the song. The artists and their record companies were involved on a pro bono basis. Net proceeds from streaming are donated to MIELI for crisis assistance and support.