Erica Dewan Reflects on How Adoption Has Impacted Views on Mental Health

Adoption for Erica Dewan is something that happened at a very early age. Her mother was dating her birth father on and off and her birth father wasn’t aware her mother was pregnant, so Erica was put up for adoption domestically and placed with a family at a few days old. 

Through a chance browsing of the Adoption Center of Illinois website, she saw an ad for adoptees trying to find their birth parents. Although she had never really contemplated a birth family search before, she wrote in and heard back shortly, “Good news! We found your birth mother.”  

Her birth family was only 30 minutes away, so six years ago, she had the opportunity to meet her biological parents and seven biological siblings (four full siblings and three half-siblings) in-person. 

“It felt surreal, like being on a blind date,” she explained. “There were definitely some similarities, especially physical ones. I’ve stayed in touch since that meeting. With one of my siblings, I talk to her once a week.” 

Identity and Mental Health Struggles 

As an ethnically Mexican child adopted to Caucasian parents, she knew she was adopted early on. Her parents were very open and transparent about adoption and had adopted her Vietnamese older brother from Chicago a few years before Erica was born.  

Growing up, Erica wished she had learned Spanish sooner. “I went to a very, very Caucasian school,” she explained. “There were only four Hispanic kids and we bonded together.” In high school, she faced some judgment as a Mexican who didn’t know Spanish.  

She struggled with her identity in high school and pursued therapy –  thankfully with a counselor who specialized in adoption. She explained, “High school was the worst time. I didn’t know who I was. There needs to be more education on trauma for adoptees and mental health.” 

Coming Full Circle 

After high school, Erica graduated from Xavier University and pursued her master’s degree, ultimately settling on a career in social work, with a geriatric healthcare focus. 

She also recently joined the board of Adopt Illinois. “It has been really cool to hear different perspectives on adoption. Growing up, I didn’t know many adoptees,” Erica shared. 

Although therapy may always be part of her life, Erica now feels healthy and whole. “My adoptive parents have always been my ‘real parents’,” she said. “I am very thankful I was placed for adoption and the opportunities I’ve had [as a result].”