government and nedia are in charge of the messaging.

yes indeed

I think we are already in a recession nationally, although some areas are doing better - or worse. The actual indicators often lag because of the data collection and analysis but the gas price effect is going to show up very soon.
Individually, I am in a depression. This is all overwhelmingly sad and frustrating.

housing, utilities, food, gasoline, and the general cost of living is pretty depressing.

So technically we are not. But job numbers are awful and inflation is hurting every one.
Also the current government numbers can't be trusted.