There's a whole variety of reasons that people, male and female, choose not to go on medications ranging from the potential side effects of the medication, how taking meds may affect their life, to the social stigma surrounding it (which is something men are more weary of than women). At the end of the day, it is definitely a personal choice, so long a person is realistic about what's going on.

The next thing to keep in mind is that as a friend, there is a lot more you can do to help than point someone in the direction of a psychiatrist. Just be their friend, offer them an ear, and let them know you are there for them. In the long run, a real friendship will do wonders to someone's life.