Economy in a Recession?

Everyday I hear something new or another opinion going around about the economy being in or out of a recession. "CNN) -- Nearly three-quarters of all Americans think the economy is in a recession, according to a national poll released Monday." What is there to do to help our economy? If there are so many people in this country that believe our country needs help, why is it taking so long to get things back on track? I believe we are in a mild recession right now but the only way were going right now is further worse. The economy right now is not as worse as the time period of the Great Depression but with all the media explaining to our country that were doing poorly, its hard to improve the economy.