The Merkur razor you are using is very important. Some are face eaters. I cannot shave with a Futur comfortably on the lowest setting. It is usually recommended that a 34C HD us a good place to start. Another is the Progress (start at the lowest setting and see how it goes). Even the Merkur open comb razors are mild shavers if you have good technique.

If you are using the Merkur blades they send with the razor, I would definitely try other blades (the 7O'Clock series are not bad, or get a sample pack). Many DE shavers find the Merkur blades unsatisfactory (dull) and there is a tendency to use pressure with blades that aren't cutting. Pressure will NEVER do you any good. Doing fewer passes until you get the hang of it is a good idea. It took me longer than I like to admit to figure out that less pressure means just barely keeping the head on your skin. Once you get that, then things will improve quickly. Remember, beginner videos are generally true, but every face is unique and some are much easier to shave than others. Learn how you beard grows in each area of your face and neck and figure out which techniques work best for you. Don't change a lot of things at once looking for a solution, this will only make it more difficult to determine what works for you. Be patient!