What exactly is the problem? You get fucked outside of battle? Then you have to remember why did you fail. Or do you lose battles?
I explained shortly how to be good in battles in this game. It took me a few weeks of learning, but now I can make a build to beat everybody from start to the final boss. There's this page. You may find something that helps you. You'll also have to learn on your own how high of the stats you will need.
I'll repeat what will certainly make your character stronger:
- having key stats high enough (Strength, I max out Agility, Endurance, Perception, don't forget any of them).
- beating simple opponents, leveling up to have more perk points, using them to have higher stats.
- buying a better weapon, either Rapier of Mace, or Broadsword.
- eventually buying the good armor, buying the helm, boots and gauntlet that give you more stats.