Anxiety appears to create enlarged lymph nodes, but the explanation is unclear because there is no medical link between lymph nodes and stress. In many circumstances, though, it is not that straightforward. Lymph nodes cannot swell in response to stress. They can only shrink due to the stress. Enlarged lymph nodes may indicate a problem. If your occipital lymph nodes are swollen, it could be a sign of disease. Your doctor will know how to treat this condition if it is found during routine checkups. Stress does not cause these nodes to enlarge.