Max Collins says anxiety is 'common in our industry' amid bullying
Max Collins opened up about the challenges of being in the entertainment industry amid bullying, sharing that motherhood has helped her cope with the criticisms and prioritize her mental health.
“Anxiety is common in our industry. It’s always anxious to be in front of the camera and in front of people all the time,” she said. “But then, I try to find a way to get through," she told the media during a brand event on Oct. 28.
Collins, who started working at age 10 as a model before making her acting debut on her home network in 2012, admitted how she also struggled with bullying when she was still learning the Filipino language.
“When I started, I couldn’t speak Tagalog. I couldn’t read it. I couldn’t understand it,” she recalled. “Everyone told me, ‘Don’t be an artist. It’s not for you. Just be a model.’ They always made fun of me because I couldn’t understand them. I just cried about it," she lamented.
A mother to five-year-old Skye, the 33-year-old actress said motherhood helped her cope. “I think I’m so fortunate to have a child, because I don’t think about myself anymore. I think about my son,” she explained.
"I know that I have to be mentally stable for him. I feel like it’s easier when you have that kind of motivation," she added.
In her years working in the industry, Collins said she was able to manage criticisms by focusing on the positive.
"In my long time in the industry, I’ve kind of mastered dealing with it. I always try to remember that it’s not the end of the world. I just count my blessings. That’s what keeps me going," she said.
Collins has starred in teleseryes, including Innamorata, Someone to Watch Over Me, The One That Got Away, and To Have & To Hold, among others. She is also creating content online and has attended fashion weeks abroad.
