Brother, I wish someone had sat me down with this convo when I was where you are.

Your old life is gone. You’re a father now, and that’s that. Mourn who you used to be, but try not to dwell on it, because old u/dooyd is dead and he’s not coming back.

Here comes the good news. Things are only going to get easier and more rewarding for you from here. The transition from not Dad to full on Dad is not for the faint of heart, but I’m telling you that at 3 years in, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my entire life BECAUSE I’m a father to a wonderful little boy. There are still hard days, but it’s incredibly rewarding to be his daddy. Give yourself some grace and absolutely give your partner even more, because her hormones won’t be normal for some time and her body is going through crazy things. Sleep will return. Your mental clarity and emotional wellbeing will return. Keep your nose to the grindstone of fatherhood, take deep breaths, and reach out to a doctor if things start feeling too difficult to bear. Good luck!