Monks are initially hard to play. Their BAB is only the same as a Cleric or Rogue, they lack the ability to use good armour and they don't tend to do brilliantly in combat.
However, after about lvl 7 - 8 they really start getting good. Excellent saves (all saves are primary), resistances to all sorts of spell effects, good Feats gained automatically, fast movement, etc., etc.
If you are having trouble, use potions (as Zel suggests) as well be aware of the mobility of monks - they can move quite fast, and so can draw off one or two monsters to fight at once. Against some creatures you will need to wield magical weapons before your fists become powerful enough to drop them. Don't multi-class monks to something (such as wizard) unless you have a specific character build in mind. Oh, if you can't open some chests, go and grab Tomi to get them open. He can do them all in Chapter 1.
If you need specific help, maybe start a new thread?
@Noober
With my Monk/Wiz/Pale I only use the major touch attacks against the toughest opponents. And you can, if quick, set up a Touch Attck-Flurry combo which works wonders.
Cheers,
TGHO