The game has a very forgiving parry mechanic and roll invincibility. Maybe practice on the greylings in the meadow until you gain some confidence. Also, use a bow and arrow to draw over mobs or trolls to a safer area for fighting. Don't just charge in. Before you know it, you can get overwhelmed with enemies.

Also also what ♥♥♥♥ said: better armor/food/weapons=less stress.

Oh wow they censored f. o. o. k.