1
general::
Collapse, break down, either physically or mentally and emotionally. For example, This chair is about to fall apart, or After his wife died, he fell apart. For synonyms for the latter usage, see COME APART AT THE SEAMS; GO TO PIECES.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): fall apart (at the seams) [and] come apart at the seams
1. Lit. [for something] to break apart where its parts are joined. • The dress fell apart at the seams. • I wouldn’t have thought that a coat that cost that much money would just come apart at the seams. 2. Fig. to break down mentally. • Tom works too much and finally fell apart. • Poor Ralph simply fell apart at the seams.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs