The World Series is about to start with the Yankees and Dodgers, and it has been a stressful playoff season for fans and the players. But when it comes to youth athletics, stress and depression are a real issue. A lot of times, it's all fun and games playing youth sports. But for some young athletes, the fun turns into overwhelming anxiety.

"It was sort of taboo to talk about," said former tennis pro Patrick McEnroe. "I know when I was a kid, it was like, ‘Oh, toughen up. Suck it up.’"

McEnroe said he knows all about the stress young people can face. He and his brother, tennis Hall of Famer John McEnroe, run a tennis academy on Randall's Island. They not only help athletes become better, but also teach skills to deal with stress.

McEnroe said there are mental health resources around for young athletes and their families.

"Obviously, it is for the kids, but it is really for us, the adults in the room to understand it, to understand what we can do to help kids and to have these resources for them. And realize that this is not just a game of the sport you are doing, it is a game of life," he said.

McEnroe and several other sports stars recently took part in a fundraiser at the Bronxville Field Club in Westchester County for the Bronx based Full Circle Life Enrichment Center.

The group provides mental health treatment.

"Anytime we can get together and help young athletes, we are right on top of it because they are in trouble," said Darcel Dillard-Suite, the executive director of Full Circle Life. "A lot of folks understand how high the numbers are when it comes to young athletes dealing with depression or anxiety."

That spans from small children in team sports up to college programs.

According to stats from the NCAA and the American College of Sports Medicine, up to 35% of college athletes show signs of depression or other mental health challenges.

New York Jets player Tony Adams attended the fundraiser. He told the audience he has needed mental health support to get through tough times on and off the field.

"We are bringing awareness to the importance of mental health," said Adams. "I think if more people did it, I think athletes and people in general would take their mental health more seriously. And I think that it is something that is important in the athletic community, in life as well."

McEnroe has this advice for coaches and families.

"My message to parents and adults is acknowledge what's going on with your kids, listen to them, ask questions, don't judge them quickly, allow them to express themselves. I think if there is that freedom for kids to be able to express themselves, I think you will find that they will be much more open to what sort of advice and constructive criticism you can give them about life in general,” McEnroe said.