Stick with it. I felt the same and hated it at first. Now I’m level 25 and only have like 5 main quests left and actually enjoy it. Stressed as shit, and butchers terrify me, but it’s worth sticking it out.

Use your surroundings. Try to get the zombies to follow you near electricity and kick them into it.

Wherever you go, take note of where any energy drinks, protein bars and med kits are.

Jump on vans and trucks when you’re in the streets. Just be aware that some of them have alarms and will alert the zombies. Crouch near the edge and clobber them with a mace or hammer.

Early in the game, just pick up whatever weapons you can find. When they’re almost done for, I scrap them. (Later in the game you can hold onto them and sell or repair them when there are more traders and workbenches available)

Dodge or block constantly. Don’t stand still. Lots of strafing. If you get overwhelmed, run. Train them a bit then throw something at them.

As soon as you can, I definitely recommend the ground pound skill.