Final answer:
Repression is the coping mechanism where thoughts and feelings about an illness are held in, which if not addressed, can result in negative health consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The coping mechanism where a patient holds in thoughts and feelings about a disease or illness is typically referred to as repression. This defense mechanism involves anxiety-causing memories from consciousness being blocked, similar to turning up the radio to ignore the noise of a malfunctioning car. In the context of health and psychology, this can manifest when individuals repress distressing thoughts and emotions related to their condition. It's important for a patient to address these repressed feelings to avoid negative health implications. Contested illnesses and the social construction of the illness experience may further complicate the coping process for patients.