Max Collins on Mental Health and Bullying: 'Anxiety is Common in Our Industry'

Max Collins, a well-known actress in the entertainment industry, has been navigating the challenges of show business while also dealing with the growing issue of online bullying. In an interview at a brand event on Tuesday, October 28, she shared how motherhood has become a significant factor in maintaining her mental well-being.

"I think I'm so fortunate to have a child," Collins said when asked about her approach to mental health. "Because I don't think about myself anymore. I think about my son. And I know that I have to be mentally stable for him. I feel like it's easier when you have that kind of motivation."

Collins acknowledged that anxiety is a common struggle within the entertainment industry. "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 explained. "But then, I try to find a way to get through. 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."

The topic of mental health and online hate has recently gained attention following the tragic death of Kim Atienza's youngest daughter, Emman. "My heart breaks. I can't imagine the pain. My heart goes out to him. And he's handling it so well. His family also. It's so devastating," Collins expressed.

Starting her career in commercials at the age of 10, Collins opened up about one of the toughest challenges she faced early on—being bullied for not knowing how to speak Tagalog. "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."

After spending time in the United States, Collins realized she was meant to continue her creative path in show business despite the challenges. "I love being with the people on set. I'm not for the corporate world. That's why I came back; I realized this is my path," she explained.

Currently, Collins is wrapping up her taping for the upcoming series "Master Cutter" alongside Dingdong Dantes. She also shared that she and her son are planning a trip to Dubai for Halloween. "We're going to Dubai because my son wants to go to the desert to see the camels," she said. "He wants to be a penguin, so I asked him, 'What am I going to be?' and he said, 'Mommy penguin.' So that's what we're going to be, penguins."

In addition, Collins confirmed last year that she and actor Pancho Magno are now legally divorced. The couple shares a son named Skye.