There is no alternative than to start super slow. Take your sweet time dealing with each enemy at the start. It's not that you can go button mashing. Thats a sure shot way to get yourself killed in a matter of seconds.
In the first few hours of the gameplay your main aim should be to try to understand the pattern of enemies. Start with the SAMURAI class and equip a shield.
Try to dodge attacks of enemies. It's slightly delayed than most games. I mean you roll just before the attacks hit you. But if you are not to not too good with dodging then use a shield and block it. Immediately after blocking you can do a counter attack using the heavy attack (the R2 button). That attack is suitable to stagger most enemies. And learn to back stab. Use your shield and try to go behind enemies. Then attack. Back stabs are your friend.
Learn to use the environment to craft various items. They are cheap and provide a lot of special buffs. Also use spirit calling. The wolves and the jellyfish are surprisingly good for the starting point of game. Use them fully. They don't cost much and they will be great to distract the enemies while you land killer blow to them. You can call them anytime an icon appears on the left hand side. It's kind of a castle icon or something. It took me several hours to figure that out.
You need a little patience and understanding to learn the moves. And don't think death as a failure. You just did something in haste or something like that. And don't feel lousy to run away from powerful enemies. No one is judging you. You are NOT there to impress anyone. Take your time and play it as per YOUR OWN game. I am generally not good with souls kind of games but if I can do it then so can you. It's not that difficult.
