i'm about level 22 or so. Trying to play a rogue class. Dual wielding, light armor, potions etc. I've been watching playthroughs on youtube and it seems like people can take a lot more damage than me. Heavy Armor? They've also upped their magic where they have better casting and healing spells. Me I find myself sneaking and running around a lot like a crazy person. bows also seem useless compared to magic in ways. i'm wonder if i should switch my build to 1 handed and magic. Vs 2 handed and sneak.

i do have a basic healing spell i use for restoration. but i dont use magic that much except to heal every so often.

Your taking so much damage because your armor rating is to low thats all. Smith your armor up to a better level for better protection. You dont have to perk smithing either, just use it a bit for better protection and weapons.

Oh and as for the Bow, its a great weapon and you should be also smithing that for more damage at a grindstone. Add in an enchantment and some good arrows and you wont have any problems taking people out in 1 shot from a sneak attack.

Bows will definitely be doing more damage than magic later on (if used with sneak attack), trust me on this. More information would help, your level, armor rating, etc.

ive basically been putting points in sneak, one handed and light armor. a few in enchanting and bows. i use a restoration spell but havent put any points in that yet. i use potions for the most part. i just find i take a lot of damage. i dont know if its because im using light armor instead of heavy.

Early on, its also helpful to find the Damage Health, and Restore Health ingredients, and just whip up piles of those to help survive or take down enemies too. Once you get some perks loaded on and some levels under your belt, you can experiment more with the alchemy.

Try the advice above, and you may also want to focus on adding points to health for the next few levels. I always get a level or two where everything's suddenly scaled around me and I burn through magicka and potions.

Definitely try to craft or improve on armor you use. You could also try enchanting it with increase light armor at some point.
Bows with sneak bonus are powerful so don`t give up on them.
Poisons and potions are also very useful. Restore health and damage health poisons work great. Also, paralyze poisons are invaluable and can give you an edge against tough opponents.
Don`t forget to use your shouts... I always seem to forget.